Davido drops daughter custody case, Law firm pushes back on online attacks
Davido said he stepped back from the case because of what he described as a disturbing turn in court, alleging that his late son was brought up during the proceedings.
Fresh tension has surfaced in the custody dispute involving Afrobeats star Davido and his daughter, Imade, after the singer announced he was withdrawing from the court case and his comments triggered a formal response from the law firm representing Imade’s mother, Sophia.
Late Friday, Davido, born David Adeleke, said he had discontinued the custody proceedings. He insisted he never pursued sole custody, explaining that his request was for joint custody and that, in his view, the child was the only one losing in the situation.
He also questioned why anyone would celebrate the development. “Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade,” he wrote on X.
Davido said he stepped back from the case because of what he described as a disturbing turn in court, alleging that his late son was brought up during the proceedings. He called it a “lowest blow” and said that was the point he decided he was done.
Despite pulling out, the singer framed his actions as part of his responsibility as a father, saying his daughter would one day understand that he fought for her and urging the public to move on.
On Instagram, Davido went further, criticising the opposing legal team and accusing them of unprofessional conduct. In one post, he claimed he “disgraced” a lawyer in court and again referenced the mention of his late son, adding that he would not wish such an experience on anyone.
The online exchanges escalated after a Lagos-based lawyer, Maruf Muhammed, posted about what he described as drama at the Lagos State High Court in Yaba. He suggested Davido lost his composure during cross-examination, and later clarified the case related to the custody of Imade.
Following the public commentary and what it said was harassment aimed at one of its partners, the law firm representing Sophia issued a statement dated February 16, 2026. The firm said it would not discuss the details of the matter because it is before a court and must be decided on evidence and the law.
However, it warned that intimidation, threats, or harassment of lawyers for doing their job is dangerous for justice. The firm argued that if counsel cannot question witnesses, test evidence, and represent clients without fear outside the courtroom, the entire legal process is weakened.
It said it would use every lawful option to protect its lawyers and resist attempts to undermine the proceedings, and called on the Nigerian Bar Association and the wider legal community to condemn such conduct. The statement was signed by the firm’s management and board of partners.
The dispute remains in the spotlight, with public pressure growing for a calmer co-parenting approach even as both sides hold their ground.
