Afrobeats star Davido has withdrawn from a longstanding custody dispute over his daughter Imade, citing distress after references to his late son were introduced in court proceedings. The decision has sparked a public exchange with the legal team representing Imade’s mother, Sophia, who issued a firm warning against intimidation of legal practitioners.
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, announced his withdrawal on social media late Friday. He clarified that his legal pursuit was for joint, not sole, custody, and stated no party had won. “I never asked for full custody… Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade,” he wrote on X. He alleged the proceedings took an unacceptable turn when his deceased son was mentioned, calling it “the lowest blow.” The singer framed his actions as protective, asserting his daughter would later understand he “fought for her.” He also accused the opposing legal team of unprofessional conduct on Instagram, claiming he “disgraced” them in court and that they deliberately referenced his personal tragedy.
The public criticism followed online commentary by Lagos-based lawyer Maruf Muhammed, who described tense courtroom drama involving Davido’s legal team. In response, the law firm representing Sophia issued a strongly worded statement dated February 16, 2026. It condemned what it described as orchestrated inflammatory public statements targeting its partners, emphasizing the matter is sub judice—to be decided solely by the court on evidence and law.
The firm stressed it would not justify its actions publicly but warned that threats or harassment of counsel outside court threaten the administration of justice. “If legal practitioners are to be threatened… for discharging their professional duty, then the very foundation of justice is imperilled,” the statement read. It vowed to use all lawful means to resist intimidation and called on the Nigerian Bar Association and global legal bodies to condemn the conduct. The statement was signed by the firm’s Management and Board of Partners.
The custody proceedings continue in the Lagos State High Court, Yaba, amid heightened public scrutiny. While fans urge peaceful co-parenting, both sides maintain their positions. The case highlights the tension between high-profile personal disputes and courtroom decorum, underscoring the legal profession’s concerns about external pressures on judicial processes. The next court hearing will determine custody arrangements for Imade, with both parties expected to continue their legal arguments within the courtroom.
