Just few weeks after his Grammy nomination, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun aka Wizkid has been declared wanted in Uganda for failing to show up for a show after being paid a total sum of $68,000.
According to the court papers, the award winning act was declared wanted over a breach of performance agreement he and his manager had with Face TV, an Ugandan entertainment outfit.
A court order by a Ugandan court issued a warrant of arrest on Wizkid and his manager, thereby directing both interpol and the Ugandan authorities to arrest the duo and make to appear before it.
Face TV’s lawyer, Fred Muwema of Muwema and Company Advocates obtained a warrant of arrest for Wizkid and his manager, Sunday Are, who allegedly failed to honour a contractual obligation to perform at a concert in Uganda on December 3, 2016.
According to Muwema, Wizkid’s manager Sunday Are was paid the full performance fee of US$60,000, a brokerage fee of $5,000 and $3,000 as per diem for the days Wizkid’s group was going to stay in Uganda.
“Our client then incurred substantial expenses in booking and re-booking flights, hotel, venue, advertising and promotions for the concert, which expenses grossed over $300,000. In the meantime, more than 25,000 Ugandans paid for tickets in advance in anticipation of the Concert.
“To our client’s dismay and utter shock, Wizkid and his troupe did not show up for the Concert despite assurances that were made up to the very last minute. This misconduct by the accused has not only damaged the name and reputation of our client,” Muwema said.
The court order, which was issued by Magistrate Baligeya Moses Mufumbiro, reads thus: “Whereas Sunday Are of Lagos Nigeria stands charged with the offence of; C1: Obtaining money by false pretence contrary to section 305 of the penal code act. C11: cheating contrary to section 307 of the penal code act.
You are hereby directed to arrest the said Sunday Are and produce him before me on or before the 16 day of January 2017.”
Both Wizkid and his manager Sunday Are are yet to reply or make comments about the allegation.
