Lynxxx in Court for Assault - The claimant, Asking for N10m Damages

Nigerian hip hop artiste, and Pepsi ambassador, Chukie Edozie, aka Lynxxx, is facing litigation at Igbosere Magistrates’ court for allegedly beating up a UK-based Nigerian businessman, Richard Bennet. Bennet is asking for N10m damages for assault and battery.

The artiste, known for his hit song, ‘Fine Lady’ and his crew reportedly caused body injuries to Bennet in a fracas at a Lagos night club, Ntycee Lounge and Restaurant. The claimant, who was said to own two bars in Nigeria and the UK, in his claims, explained that he had gone to Ntycee with his nephews to relax.

He said it was while strolling around the club, that his drink spilt on a lady who allegedly slapped him and emptied the content of her glass cup on him.

Bennet said, “Edozie on learning what had happened, grabbed me by the lapel, and later broke bottles and threatened to kill me if I did not apologise to the lady who I later learnt was his relation.”

The fracas led to the club being closed by the owners of the bar.

Bennet alleged that Edozie and his men waited at the gate, regrouped and forced themselves into the club where they “brutally assaulted me with several blows to my head and body.”

A copy of the medical report from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja where the claimant was admitted said, “he was seriously beaten up by a group of people, and was hit with iron rod in the head, with severe pain and bruises over his body.’’

The counsel for the claimant, Mrs. Tina Wils-Ubong, of the Festus Keyamo Chambers, however said Edozie had been served papers inviting him to answer to the offence, which he refused to accept or acknowledge.

She said the Keyamo Chambers was still making efforts to serve the defendant papers. Wils-Ubong informed the court of the Chambers intention to file an ex parte.

The magistrate, Mrs. A.F Botoku, however, said it might not be necessary as the court had written the state Citizen’s Mediation Centre, where the matter could be resolved between the two men; and if this failed, it would be returned to the court.

None of the parties to the matter was in court, except the counsel for the claimant.

The matter was adjourned till July 2.

Source: Punch.