The highly publicised breakup between former Big Brother Naija housemates Bella Okagbue and Segun “Sheggz” Olusemo has escalated into a pre-litigation dispute, with lawyers representing Bella rejecting allegations of defamation and raising fresh claims involving alleged loans, deceit and a purported breach of promise to marry.
The latest development follows a cease-and-desist notice reportedly issued on behalf of Sheggz on August 21, accusing Bella of making statements considered false and damaging to his reputation and that of members of his family.
The notice reportedly demanded that Bella stop making the disputed statements, remove offending content and issue a public retraction and apology.
However, in a response dated August 24, Bella’s lawyers rejected the allegations, describing them as “spurious and baseless”.
They maintained that statements made by their client concerning the failed relationship reflected her personal experiences and emotions and did not, in their view, amount to actionable defamation.
The lawyers consequently rejected the demand for a retraction or apology.
The response went further by raising allegations against Sheggz arising from the four-year relationship.
Bella’s lawyers alleged that the relationship involved what they described as a breach of promise to marry and a misrepresentation of intentions amounting to deceit.
They also alleged that Sheggz obtained several loans from Bella under false pretences and indicated that their client was prepared to pursue the claim before a competent court.
The lawyers said evidence was available to support their allegations.
Their response did not, in the portions publicly circulated, expressly put a total monetary figure on the alleged loans.
However, an alleged ₦11 million debt had previously become part of the public controversy after screenshots said to contain private WhatsApp exchanges involving Bella, Sheggz and members of their families circulated online.
In one of the purported conversations, Bella was reported to have complained to Sheggz’s mother that he owed her ₦11 million and had failed to repay the money despite repeated requests.
There is also no court finding at this stage that Sheggz owes Bella ₦11 million or that any money was obtained through false pretence.
There is also no court finding at this stage that Sheggz owes Bella ₦11 million or that any money was obtained through false pretence.
The dispute traces back to the collapse of the relationship between the two former BBNaija housemates, whose romance began during the 2022 “Level Up” edition of the reality television programme.
The pair, popularly called “Shella” by supporters, continued their relationship outside the reality show and frequently spoke publicly about their future together.
Sheggz disclosed on August 19 that the relationship had ended in January 2026.
He attributed the breakup to unresolved issues concerning trust and respect and denied allegations of cheating or abuse.
He also disclosed that he had purchased an engagement ring because he had genuinely intended to marry Bella.