Davido, while announcing his withdrawal from Imade’s custody battle, condemned the dragging of his late son’s name into the legal tussle.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Lawyers representing Sophia Momodu—the former partner of Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido—have denied claims of unprofessional conduct levelled against them by the artist during the custody battle for their daughter, Imade.
The law firm made its position known on Monday in a statement jointly signed by its Management and Board of Partners.
On Friday, while announcing his decision to withdraw from the custody case involving his daughter, Davido took exception to the decision of the opposing lawyers to drag his late son, Ifeanyi, into the legal tussle.
He also clarified that he never sought sole custody of his daughter but had only requested joint custody, maintaining that Imade remains the only loser in the case.
Writing via his X handle, he stated: “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.”
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!” the ‘Electricity’ crooner added.
He went on to say 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 added.
ALSO READ: Davido withdraws custody case for daughter, Imade, after mentions of late son
Davido also used his Instagram Story to criticise the opposing legal team, alleging unprofessional conduct during the proceedings.
His outburst followed earlier social media commentary by a Lagos-based legal practitioner, Maruf Muhammed, who had drawn public attention to tense moments during proceedings at the Lagos State High Court, Yaba.
However, in a strongly worded statement dated 16 February 2026, the law firm representing Sophia noted that its attention had been drawn to inflammatory public statements, allegedly orchestrated by the Afrobeats star, concerning a custody matter currently before a court of competent jurisdiction in Lagos State.
The lawyers also accused the singer of harassing their client and defended their conduct in court.
“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 the highest standards of professional conduct, but warned that threats, intimidation, or harassment of counsel outside the courtroom pose a serious threat to the administration of justice.
“However, if legal practitioners are to be threatened, intimidated, or exposed to harassment outside the courtroom for asking questions, testing evidence, or discharging their professional duty to their clients, then the very foundation of justice is imperilled,” the statement added.
The lawyers also noted that fearless advocacy remains essential to the justice system, warning that when lawyers are forced to weigh personal safety against professional duty, the rule of law is weakened.
“It will not begin with us,” the firm declared, noting that it would deploy every lawful measure available to resist any attempt to intimidate counsel or undermine judicial proceedings.
It further called on the Nigerian Bar Association and lawyers globally to condemn what it described as an aberration and a gross violation of the legal profession.
