The Lagos State High Court, sitting at Osborne Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi, granted an order for substituted service on music record label boss Ubi Ekapong Ofem, popularly known as Ubi Franklin, in a lawsuit filed by Edo-born businessman Mr. Ose. The suit, LDR/ADR/5358/2024, involves a claim of N19.9 million.
During the proceedings on May 27, 2024, presided over by Hon. Justice (Dr.) R.O. Olukolu, Mr. Ose’s counsel moved an ex parte application for substituted service. This application sought to serve a Motion for Summary Judgment and a Writ of Summons on Ubi Franklin via WhatsApp and at his last known address on Adebayo Street, Lekki, Lagos.
The court granted the order after the Applicant’s affidavit detailed multiple unsuccessful attempts to serve Franklin personally. Despite numerous phone calls by the court’s bailiff, Franklin had not accepted the court documents.
In the main suit, Mr. Ose is seeking an order for Ubi Franklin to pay N10 million for the invested sum in Franklin’s rental services business and an additional N9.9 million as a return on investment over an 11-month period.
The matter, initially scheduled for a report of service on the defendant, was delayed due to an industrial strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress.
