Family Sues Singer Uche Ibeto Over Late Mum’s Assets
Estate Administrator Drags ‘Jigida’ Singer Uche Ibeto to Court Over Alleged Unlawful Possession of Family Property
The Administrator of the Estate of the late Mrs. Esther Ibeto has filed a lawsuit against Uche Ibeto, popularly known for her hit album Jigida Dance in the 1980s, over the alleged unlawful possession of the deceased’s assets.
The suit, filed at the Lagos State High Court and dated October 2, 2025, was instituted by Mrs. Laura Chinyelu Okoh, the estate administrator, through her counsel, Barrister E. Omoijiade.
The family accused Uche of unlawfully taking possession of cash, valuables, property title documents, and rental income belonging to the estate after their mother’s passing. She was also accused of sponsoring defamatory publications against family members.
One of the publications cited in the suit, dated September 9, 2025, allegedly contained accusations by Uche that Mrs. Okoh connived with a judicial officer to evict her from the family house at 36 Ibezim Obianulu Street, Lagos, where she resided.
Court Orders Sought
The administrator is asking the court to order Uche to:
- Return all assets belonging to the estate.
- Provide a full financial account of the estate.
- Publish a retraction and apology for the defamatory statements.
- Pay ₦10 million as damages for defamation and another ₦10 million for legal costs.
- Account for £10,000 allegedly withdrawn from the deceased’s Barclays Bank account.
- Be restrained through a perpetual injunction from interfering with the estate or making further defamatory publications.
Allegations of Misappropriation
In the statement of claim, Mrs. Okoh alleged that Uche rented out portions of the deceased’s property—including the boys’ quarters, garages, and flats—without authorization, and converted more than ₦25 million in rental income for personal use.
Despite multiple demands, Uche allegedly refused to return or account for the assets, prompting the decision to sell the property at 36 Ibezim Obiojulu Street, Surulere, to distribute proceeds equitably among beneficiaries.
Mrs. Okoh further alleged that Uche responded to demands with threats, harassment, and collusion with certain police officers to intimidate estate staff.
She claimed that Uche sponsored defamatory publications portraying herself as the rightful owner of the property and maligning the administrator, damaging the estate’s reputation.
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Status of Proceedings
The claimant’s counsel revealed that the bailiff attempted to serve court papers at Uche’s residence on 21/25 Allen Avenue, Ikeja, but she refused service.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the case.
