Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh is facing legal challenges as the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has summoned her and her bodyguard, Gbenga, over allegations of assault and criminal trespass. The summons, with the case number CR/359/2024, stems from a legal complaint filed by Elvis Abuyere, the Chief Executive Officer of Skyewise Group Limited, an Abuja-based car dealership. The court has ordered Dikeh and her bodyguard to appear before it on August 24, 2024, to address the charges brought against them.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute began in January 2024, when Dikeh approached Abuyere’s car dealership to purchase a brand-new Changan Uni-K 2023 model. The transaction was facilitated through a partnership with Mikano Motors, whom Abuyere’s dealership had a direct relationship. Dikeh initially made a down payment by trading in her used 2008/2009 Lexus, valued at N37 million, and added N3.5 million in cash. However, the agreement stipulated that she would pay the remaining balance in installments within three months of receiving the vehicle.
By the end of April, Dikeh had not fulfilled her payment obligations, leaving a significant portion of the balance unpaid. Despite repeated reminders and attempts to collect the outstanding amount, Dikeh did not settle the debt. Consequently, on May 1, 2024, Abuyere took steps to retrieve the car from Dikeh’s possession, an action he deemed necessary after efforts to resolve the matter amicably proved unsuccessful.
Dikeh responded by paying off a substantial portion of the outstanding amount, making payments of N20 million, N17 million, and an additional N5 million. However, as of the last transaction, there was still an outstanding balance of N2.1 million. This unresolved debt became the focal point of the escalating dispute.
Alleged Assault and Trespass Incident
The situation took a dramatic turn on July 30, 2024, when Dikeh contacted the car dealership to have the vehicle serviced. According to the complaint, the car was brought in for maintenance, and upon completion of the repairs, the dealership demanded the remaining balance of N2.7 million. The demand for payment reportedly led to a confrontation.
Abuyere alleges that instead of settling the outstanding amount, Dikeh, accompanied by her bodyguard and two other women, forcefully entered the dealership’s premises in Maitama, Abuja. The group is accused of committing criminal trespass by entering the business without permission. The complainant further alleges that Dikeh and her associates assaulted him and several staff members, disrupting the dealership’s operations and causing property damage.
The complaint also notes that Dikeh threatened to use her substantial social media following to damage the reputation of the car dealership. These actions prompted Abuyere to involve the authorities, leading to the arrest of Dikeh and her associates by the police.
Source: Punch
