Asa drags magazine to court, demands N700m damages

Reigning jazz and soul musician, Bukola Elemide, popularly called Asa, has instituted a N700m suit against publishers of a Lagos-based magazine, News of the People.

In a writ of summons with Suit No LD/208.010 filed on Feb. 2 and instituted on her behalf by a Lagos-based lawyer, Mena Ajakpovi, at the Lagos High Court, Asa and her manager, Janet Nwose, sued the magazine and the reporter for alleged defamation.

She is seeking an order of court declaring the allegation of Lesbianism against her and Janet as false, illegal and a violation of their rights.

The two dreadlocks wearing ladies are asking for the sum of money as damages.

They are also seeking orders of court restraining the defendants from further publication of what they described as malicious statements against them.

In the December 14-22 issue of the magazine, a story titled, Lesbianism trails Asa and Manager, was published, alleging that the ladies were involved in a lesbian relationship.

In the summons, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent, Asa claimed that the publication was not only malicious, but also a clear case of well orchestrated plan to bring her into disrepute.