Former Big Brother Naija housemate Bella Okagbue has taken legal steps against her former boyfriend, Segun Olusemo, popularly known as Sheggz, over an alleged breach of promise to marry, domestic abuse and the repayment of loans she allegedly gave him during their relationship.
Bella’s lawyers reportedly served Sheggz with a pre-action notice on Saturday, escalating the bitter fallout between the former “Level Up” housemates into a potential legal battle.
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The notice reportedly demands repayment of alleged loans totalling £10,166 and ₦19.826 million, while also threatening further legal action over allegations of domestic abuse and the alleged failure to fulfil repeated promises to marry Bella.
The development comes days after Sheggz’s lawyers issued a cease-and-desist and defamation notice to Bella over statements she allegedly made about him and members of his family.
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How it started
Bella and Sheggz met during the 2022 BBNaija “Level Up” season, and their relationship became one of the most-followed storylines of the reality show.
The pair continued their relationship after leaving the show and became popularly known among fans as “SheLLa”. Their relationship lasted for about four years and included periods of cohabitation in the United Kingdom.
However, Sheggz confirmed on 19 August that the relationship had ended in January.
He attributed the breakup to unresolved “issues of trust and respect”, which he said he could not overlook in considering marriage.
Sheggz also denied cheating on or abusing Bella, saying he had remained single since their separation. He said he had bought an engagement ring because he genuinely believed their relationship would eventually lead to marriage.
Bella subsequently responded, saying, “wanting marriage with someone you love is not desperation. Knowing when not to marry them is discernment.”
She also said, “A ring doesn’t fix what made a relationship impossible,” while referring to what she described as unfulfilled promises during the relationship.
Legal battle
The public dispute soon moved into the legal sphere.
Sheggz’s lawyers reportedly issued a cease-and-desist and defamation notice to Bella around 21 August, accusing her of making false and defamatory statements about him and his family.
The notice reportedly demanded that Bella stop making the alleged defamatory statements, remove the disputed content, retract the claims and apologise.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that Bella’s lawyers responded by rejecting the defamation allegations as “spurious and baseless”.
They maintained that their client stood by her claims and alleged that Sheggz obtained several loans from her under false pretences.
They also said they had evidence to support the allegations and were prepared to pursue the matter in court.
Bella’s claims
In the latest pre-action notice, Bella’s lawyers alleged that Sheggz repeatedly promised to marry their client through television appearances, social media posts, in the presence of family and friends, and privately.
According to the lawyers, the promises began after the pair met during BBNaija in 2022 and continued throughout their relationship. They alleged that the promises involved deceit and fraudulent misrepresentation intended to induce Bella to provide financial benefits.
The lawyers said the couple’s period of cohabitation in the UK involved significant financial and emotional commitments on the part of their client.
They further alleged that the failure to fulfil the marriage promise caused Bella stigma, reputational damage, emotional distress and psychological harm.
The lawyers reportedly cited the Supreme Court decision in Ezeanah v Atta (2004) 7 NWLR (Pt. 873) 468 in support of potential remedies available under Nigerian law.
Bella’s lawyers also alleged that she was subjected to repeated physical and emotional harm, including restrictions on her movement.
They reportedly demanded that Sheggz cease making unsolicited calls and sending messages, which they said could be perceived as threatening or intimidating.
The lawyers further indicated that Bella was prepared to petition the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and pursue civil proceedings over the alleged abuse, injuries and damages.
READ ALSO: Bella threatens legal action against Sheggz over alleged loans, rejects defamation claims
Sheggz’s position
Sheggz has denied allegations of cheating and domestic abuse.
His side has instead maintained that he made substantial financial contributions to the relationship.
Reports citing documents from his legal team said an audit of his UK accounts showed that he allegedly spent about £220,000 of his personal funds on Bella while they lived in the UK.
His lawyers reportedly described him as the principal provider during the relationship while acknowledging Bella’s financial contributions.
Sheggz’s side also attributed the relationship’s failure to trust issues and the involvement of Bella’s family members.
The latest legal development remains at the pre-action stage. No court has ruled on the allegations of breach of promise to marry, domestic abuse, loans or defamation.
Both sides’ claims, therefore, remain contested pending any formal court proceedings and judicial determination.
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