France-based Nigerian queen of soul and jaaz, Bukola Elemide, popularly known as Ásà, was on Thursday missing at a court hearing in a N700 million lawsuit brought by her against News of the People, a weekly softsell celebrity magazine.
Asa sued the News of the People over a published article suggesting that she is a lesbian in 2010.
Asa, the 29-year-old French born singer and guitarist, who was represented by her counsel, Abraham & co., before a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice A.J. Coker, stated that the publication was defamatory.
Neither Asa, who is said to be in France, nor her Manager, Janet Nwose, came to court when the defendant’s counsel requested their presence for questioning and examinations.
Asa’s lawyer Mena Ajakpovi, said: “My lord, my client is indisposed. I plead you to adjourn the case to a later date.”
Counsel to the News of the Peoples, Yinka Muyiwa, was unhappy with the development.
Coker adjourned the case to April 26, 2012.