The Estate Administrator of the late Mrs. Esther Ibeto has initiated legal proceedings against Jigida singer Uche Ibeto at a Lagos State High Court, alleging unauthorized possession of the deceased’s assets.
Uche Ibeto gained fame in the 1980s with her hit album centered around the Jigida dance.
Represented by Barrister E. Omoijiade, the Estate Administrator, Mrs. Laura Chinyelu Okoh, filed the lawsuit on October 2, 2025, accusing Uche of unlawfully taking control of cash, valuable items, property ownership documents, and rental income belonging to the Estate following their mother’s passing.
The family also claims that Uche has been behind defamatory media publications targeting family members.
One such publication, dated September 9, 2025, allegedly features Uche accusing Mrs. Okoh of conspiring with a judicial officer to evict her from her residence at 36 Ibezim Obianulu Street, Lagos.
In the suit, the Estate Administrator requests the court to compel Uche, the sole defendant, to return all Estate assets, provide a comprehensive financial account of the Estate, and issue a public apology retracting the defamatory remarks.
Additionally, the plaintiff seeks N10 million in damages for defamation and another N10 million to cover legal expenses.
The claim also demands an explanation for a £10,000 withdrawal from the deceased’s Barclays Bank account and requests a permanent injunction preventing Uche from interfering with the Estate or making further defamatory statements.
According to the statement of claim sworn by Mrs. Okoh, Uche allegedly rented out various parts of the deceased’s property-including the boys’ quarters, garages, and flats-without authorization from the Estate administrators, diverting over N25 million in rental income for personal use.
Despite multiple demands, Uche has reportedly refused to provide an accounting or return the funds, valuables, and documents unlawfully taken from the Estate.
“These assets, which rightfully belong to the Estate of the late Mrs. Esther Ibeto, remain in the Defendant’s possession without any legal justification,” the claimant stated. She added that a formal letter dated August 20, 2025, was sent to Uche demanding the immediate return of the Estate’s property.
Due to Uche’s continued refusal to account for or safeguard the Estate’s assets, the Administrator found it necessary to sell the one-story building at No. 36 Ibezim Obianulu Street, Surulere, Lagos, to protect the interests of all beneficiaries.
“This sale was intended to fairly distribute the proceeds among the rightful heirs, ensuring each beneficiary receives their due share,” Mrs. Okoh explained.
Instead of cooperating, Uche allegedly responded with threats aimed at harassing and embarrassing the Administrator. She is accused of collaborating with corrupt police officers to intimidate and detain Estate staff.
Furthermore, the Administrator claims that in 2025, Uche orchestrated the publication of false and damaging statements in the media, falsely presenting herself as the Estate’s owner, disparaging Mrs. Okoh’s role, and misleading the public about the true ownership of the Estate’s assets.
These defamatory actions have, according to the claim, tarnished the Administrator’s reputation, undermined the Estate’s management, and harmed its public standing.
The plaintiff is seeking a court order to prevent Uche from making further defamatory statements and demands N20 million in damages.
At the time of reporting, the claimant’s lawyer revealed that court papers were served at Uche’s residence at 21/25 Allen Avenue, Ikeja, but she refused to accept them.
No hearing date has been scheduled for the case.
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