Fresh controversy has emerged 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 reactions that drew a formal response from the law firm representing the child’s mother, Sophia.
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, announced late Friday that he had opted to discontinue the custody proceedings, insisting that he never sought sole custody of his daughter but only requested joint custody.
He maintained that no party emerged victorious from the case, describing the situation as a loss for the child involved.
“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 events during court proceedings took an unacceptable turn, claiming that references were made to his late son, an experience he described as 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.
The artiste added that his actions were driven by love and responsibility toward his daughter, expressing confidence that his efforts would be understood in the future.
“My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her … let’s move on. One love!” he wrote.
Davido also took to his Instagram story to criticise the opposing legal team, alleging unprofessional conduct during the proceedings.
The online outburst followed earlier social media commentary by Lagos-based legal practitioner, Maruf Muhammed, who had drawn public attention to tense moments during proceedings at the Lagos State High Court, Yaba, clarifying that the matter related to the custody of Davido’s daughter.
In response to the public commentary and what it described as harassment directed at its partner, the law firm representing Sophia issued a strongly worded statement defending its conduct and warning against intimidation of legal practitioners.
In the statement dated February 16, 2026, the firm said its attention had been drawn to inflammatory public statements allegedly orchestrated by a Nigerian Afrobeats artiste on social media concerning a custody matter currently before a court of competent jurisdiction in Lagos State.
“That matter is sub judice. It will be decided by the court alone, on evidence and law, and no amount of media commentary will sway that process or our approach to the case,” the firm stated.
It stressed that it would not comment on the substance of the case, citing adherence to professional standards, but warned that threats, intimidation or harassment of counsel outside the courtroom pose a serious threat to the administration of justice.
The firm further called on the Nigerian Bar Association and lawyers globally to condemn what it described as a violation of the legal profession, stating that it would deploy every lawful measure to resist any attempt to intimidate counsel or undermine judicial proceedings.
Meanwhile, the custody dispute continues to attract public attention, with fans and observers calling for peaceful co-parenting, even as both sides maintain their positions amid heightened scrutiny.
