*Warn Davido Over Public Statements On Custody Case
Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, the law firm representing Sophia Momodu, estranged lover of Afrobeats star David Adeleke (Davido), has cautioned the singer and his supporters against making public statements that could compromise the ongoing child custody case involving their daughter, Imade.
The firm condemned Davido’s social media posts which criticised their partner, Ebelechukwu Enedah, who represents Momodu, for allegedly mentioning his deceased son during court proceedings.
The firm emphasised that the matter is sub judice and should be decided by the court alone, warning that attempts to intimidate legal practitioners could undermine the rule of law.
“Our attention has been drawn to statements chiefly engineered by a Nigerian Afrobeat artiste, via social media, directed at our partner arising from her professional conduct in a custody matter presently pending before a court of competent jurisdiction in Lagos State.
“Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors will deploy every lawful measure available to it to resist any attempt to intimidate counsel or undermine judicial proceedings.
“Those who engage in conduct calculated to interfere with the administration of justice will be met with the full consequences provided by law,” the statement partly read.
The law firm’s statement came after Davido announced his decision to withdraw the custody case, expressing frustration over events that unfolded during court proceedings at the Lagos State High Court in Yaba.
In a post shared on X late Friday, the singer clarified his legal position, stating that he never sought full custody of his daughter.
“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,” he wrote.
Davido further revealed that he had chosen to discontinue the matter, alleging that the courtroom exchanges took a distressing turn.
“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, “My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her … let’s move on. One love!”
On his Instagram story, the award-winning artiste intensified his criticism of the opposing counsel, writing, “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.”
The social media reactions followed earlier posts by a Lagos-based legal practitioner, Maruf Muhammed, who had drawn attention to alleged courtroom tensions 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.
When asked which matter was being referenced, another user responded that the session concerned “his daughter, Imade’s custody.”
Davido had filed an originating motion before the Lagos State High Court seeking joint custody of Imade Adeleke.
In the suit marked LD/1587PMC/2024, dated April 17, 2024, the singer prayed the court for “an order granting joint custody of Miss Imade Adeleke to the applicant.” In the alternative, he sought “unfettered and unrestricted access to Miss Imade.”
The motion was supported by a 44-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Davido, in which he stated that despite the end of his relationship with Sophia Momodu, the child’s mother, he had remained committed to Imade’s welfare.
