Amaju Pinnick sues Davido for N2.3bn, demands apology

Brownhill Investments Company Limited, organizers of the annual ‘Warri Again Concert,’ have initiated a legal action against hip-hop artiste David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, alleging a breach of their agreement/contract. The lawsuit, filed as EHC/183/2023 before the Delta State High Court in Effurun, seeks a total of N2.3 billion in claims.

The suit, designated as EHC/183/2023, was brought before the Delta State High Court in Effurun by Brownhill Investments Company Limited, which is owned by former Nigeria Football Federation President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick.

The claimant, represented by lawyer Kelechi Onwuegbuchulem, is requesting the court to grant N2 billion as general damages against Davido and his music label, Davido Music Worldwide Limited. The claimant is seeking N150 million for legal and professional fees and an extra N30 million as the cost of filing the lawsuit.

Furthermore, the organizers want the court to mandate Davido to issue a public apology on all of his social media accounts and in two national daily newspapers for four consecutive days, addressing the claimant and the concert attendees.

In the statement of claim, it is mentioned that in early 2023, Davido approached Amaju Pinnick, owner of Brownhill Investments Company Limited, at the Abuja Airport and requested to be part of the 19th edition of the ‘Warri Again Concert’ scheduled for October 6, 2023. After some hesitation, they agreed on a performance fee of N70 million, and this sum, equivalent to $94,500, was paid on April 6, 2023.

Despite a promotional video made by Davido before the event, he failed to appear on the day. The organizers had already incurred substantial expenses on advertising and promotions for the event. Despite sending a reminder letter and incurring additional expenses for a private jet, Davido did not attend the event on October 6, 2023.

Therefore, Brownhill Investments Company Limited is seeking the payment of $94,500 as full compensation for engaging Davido’s services.