- Afrobeats star Davido (David Adeleke) withdrew from the custody proceedings over his daughter Imade, stating that he had sought joint, not sole, custody
- Davido said he discontinued the case after references were made in court to his late son, describing the development as deeply distressing
- The law firm representing Sophia issued a statement condemning alleged harassment and inflammatory remarks, urging respect for due process as the matter remained before the Lagos State High Court
Fresh controversy has erupted in the ongoing custody dispute involving Afrobeats star Davido and his daughter, Imade, following the singer’s decision to withdraw from the case and subsequent public exchanges with the law firm representing the child’s mother, Sophia.
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, announced late on Friday that he had opted to discontinue the custody proceedings. He clarified that he had not sought sole custody of his daughter but had requested joint custody.
“I never asked for full custody … I asked for joint custody. Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade … so I don’t know why some pple r celebrating. There’s nothing to celebrate,” the singer wrote on X.
Explaining his decision to withdraw, Davido alleged that the court proceedings took what he described as an unacceptable turn when references were made to his late son. The artiste, who lost his son in 2022, said the mention of the tragedy during cross-examination was deeply distressing.
“I’ve decided to drop the case because … until she brought out her last card! MY DECEASED SON! THAT’S A NO NO! Lowest blow!” he stated.
He added that his actions were motivated by love and responsibility towards his daughter, expressing confidence that she would one day understand his efforts. “My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her … let’s move on. One love!” he wrote.
Davido also criticised the opposing legal team in a post on his Instagram story, alleging unprofessional conduct in court. “I disgraced you in the courtroom … I was teaching you your work … and then went on to mention my son. Like I said in the courtroom, I pray you never go through what me and my wife have gone through ever,” he posted.
The social media outburst followed earlier commentary by Lagos-based legal practitioner Maruf Muhammed, who had posted about tense moments during proceedings at the Lagos State High Court in Yaba.
“Davido in High Court, Yaba now! Come and see drama in court. The lawyer made 001 lose his patience during cross-examination o! Be you never so high, the law is above you,” Muhammed wrote, later confirming that the matter related to Imade’s custody.
In response, the law firm representing Sophia issued a strongly worded statement dated 16 February 2026, condemning what it described as inflammatory public statements and harassment directed at its partner. The firm emphasised that the matter is sub judice and will be determined solely on evidence and law.
It warned that threats, intimidation or harassment of counsel outside the courtroom undermine the administration of justice and weaken the rule of law. The statement called on the Nigerian Bar Association and the wider legal community to condemn such conduct, pledging to resist any attempt to intimidate its lawyers.
The dispute continues to attract widespread public attention, with many observers urging peaceful co-parenting amid the heightened scrutiny surrounding the case.
