Lawyers representing former Big Brother Naija housemate, Bella Okagbue, have rejected demands reportedly contained in a cease-and-desist notice issued by her former boyfriend, Sheggz, over alleged defamatory statements.
Sheggz’s lawyers had accused Bella of making defamatory statements about him and his family following the end of their relationship.
In their response, Bella’s legal team disputed the claims, arguing that the dispute involved more than the breakdown of a relationship.
The lawyers described the matter as a case involving an alleged “breach of promise to marry” and “misrepresentation of intentions that amounts to deceit.”
They further alleged that Sheggz obtained several loans from Bella by false pretence, saying they would pursue the claim before a competent court.
“The relationship between our client and your client is not one that has irretrievably broken down but rather a situation of ‘breach of promise to marry’ and misrepresentation of intentions that amounts to deceit,” the lawyers said.
“Your client obtained several loans by false pretence from our client, and we shall pursue this claim before a competent court, evidence abound,” they added.
Bella’s lawyers also challenged Sheggz’s claims concerning alleged defamatory statements and mental distress.
They maintained that Sheggz would have to provide evidence of the statements he claimed caused him harm.
“The onus resides with your client to provide receipts of any defamatory claims or whatsoever statement made against his family members. Your client asserts and he must prove the statement that caused him mental distress,” the legal team said.
The lawyers also rejected the suggestion that any alleged mental suffering could be attributed to Bella.
“Please note that your client’s alleged suffering (if any) cannot be attributed to our client. Consequently, your client’s demand for compliance is entirely rejected,” they added.
The response represents another development in the public fallout between the former couple, with their disagreement now taking a legal turn.
