Nigerian singer, Orezi Demands N100m from Bolt after Ghastly Accident

Orezi, has asked ride hailing service, Bolt (formerly Taxify) to pay him N100m as compensation following a ghastly accident he had while using the service.

Nigerian singer, Orezi Demands N100m from Bolt after Ghastly Accident
Orezi

Nigerian musician, Esegine Allen, popularly known as Orezi, has demanded N100 million as compensation from a ride-booking app, Bolt (formerly Taxify) after his involvement in a road accident that reportedly damaged his jaw a month ago.

Orezi, in a pre-litigation letter signed by his lawyers, Abimbola Fakeye and Ifeoma Odum; said the accident occurred on December 6, 2019.

The 33-year-old musician was headed for the Lagos airport to catch a flight to Delta State on December 6, when the incident occurred on the popular Third Mainland Bridge.

The singer said he was picked up by a Bolt driver identified as Olamilekan Aina in a Toyota Corolla with number plate, EPE 450EV.

The ‘Ogede’ crooner alleged that the driver drove recklessly and was involved in a head on collision with another vehicle.

The letter read in part, “Our client informed us that on December 6, 2019, at about 5.41pm, he in the company of his younger brother booked a trip to the Murtala Muhammed Airport via his account on Bolt app.

“Our client informed us that one Mr. Olamilekan Aina with phone number, 09071902297, in a Toyota Corolla with number plate EPE 450EV, accepted the ride and picked him up at his location.

“We were further informed that it was raining that morning and in the course of the trip, the driver refused to take note of the weather conditions and how that would affect the roads and other road users and despite several pleas from our client to be careful, the river got involved in a ghastly head on collision with a Toyota Camry SE.

“Our client, who was seated at the back, was severely injured with his jaw broken and bleeding profusely. He sprained his neck and had to be put in a cast. He missed his show and lost income therein. He has had to be on bed rest for a significant amount of time to heal and recover.”

Orezi said Bolt breached its duty of care when it allowed a clearly incompetent driver to operate its app.

 

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He said the only reason he decided to enter the vehicle was because Bolt had vouched for his competence.

The musician said due to the loss of income and medical bills he had incurred, he would be seeking damages.

The letter further stated, “Our client, therefore, demands the sum of N100m as damages for death scare, medical bills, down time and lost income occasioned by the reckless and negligent acts of the Bolt driver.

“You have seven working days from the receipt of this letter to pay the stated sum of N100m to our client, failing which we will institute the necessary court action to recover the sum.”

The singer subsequently attached photographs of his injuries.

It was gathered that Bolt, which is one of the leading ride hailing companies in the country states in its terms and conditions that it cannot be held liable for any damages caused by the driver to the passenger.

Article 6.6 further states, “The financial liability of Bolt in connection with breach of contract will be limited to 500 euros. You will have the right to claim for damages only if Bolt has deliberately violated the contract. Bolt will not be liable for the actions or inactions of the driver and will not be liable for damages that the driver causes to the passengers.”

Orezi began his music career in early 2009. He has worked with several producers, including Kiddominant, Del B and Dokta Frabz. His claim to fame is his 2012 hit titled ‘Rihanna’.