The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has upheld a N5 million fine imposed on Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, for committing adultery. Originally issued by a High Court in Port Harcourt on February 18, 2021, the fine was ordered following Daddy Freeze’s involvement with Benedicta Elechi, who was married to Paul Odekina at the time of the affair.
The court directed Daddy Freeze to pay the fine to Paul Odekina, citing damages for depriving Odekina of the companionship of his wife and the resulting emotional distress caused by the adultery. Additionally, the court dissolved the marriage between Paul and Benedicta due to her extramarital relationship with Daddy Freeze.
Dissatisfied with the High Court’s decision, Daddy Freeze pursued an appeal, arguing that he was not properly served with court documents as required by legal procedure. However, the Court of Appeal, through a three-judge panel including Justices Abubakar Talba, Danlami Senchi, and Hannatu Balogun, dismissed Daddy Freeze’s appeal on June 26, 2024. The panel emphasized that Daddy Freeze’s failure to file a counter-affidavit against the affidavit of service precluded him from challenging the original judgment effectively.
Legal representatives Ola Faro and Ikobah Hilton appeared for Daddy Freeze during the appeal, while N.A. Naenwi and Wilcox Abereton (SAN) represented Paul Odekina and Benedicta Elechi respectively.
This ruling affirms the initial decision of the Rivers State High Court in Suit No. PHC/403MC/2012, delivered by Justice J. Akpughunum on February 18, 2021.
Daddy Freeze’s Appeal Dismissed by Court of Appeal, Upholds N5 Million Adultery Fine
