By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Popular Nigerian singer David Adeleke whose stage name is Davido has formally made clear his demands over an April Fool’s Day prank by K24 Digital.
Davido on Tuesday hinted at filing a defamation case against the Kenyan media station after it ran a piece of fake news that indicated he had been arrested over alledged Ksh 18 million Cocaine haul found in his private jet.
While the story was meant to be an April Fool’s Day prank, it was widely shared, given the singer was at the time in Kenya after concluding his tour to the country.
In a letter to the Mediamaxx-owned digital platform, the singer has issued the company 48 hours to issue an apology, failure to which it will face a court case.
But the demands set are tough, given Davido wants the company to issue a public apology not only on their publication but also on three other national dailies and those based in Nigeria.
“We demand for the immediate retraction and unreserved apology in not less than three national dailies in Kenya and Nigeria including but not limited to online publication as well as your social media platforms within 48 hours of your receipt of this notice,” read part of the letter dated April 2, 2024.
“Failing which we shall, without further recourse to you, cause an action to be instituted for libel against your media organization with its attendant consequences,” it added.
The letter was drafted by B.F.A and Co Legal, the global representatives and solicitors of Davido.
In addition, the company said the prominent Nigerian singer had instructed them to instruct Conrad Law, based in Nairobi, to carry out the mandate.
K24 and Mediamaxx are yet to respond to Davido’s demands.