Nigerian music star Davido has withdrawn his legal action seeking joint custody of his daughter, Imade Adeleke, following a hearing at the Lagos State High Court.
The case, which had been ongoing since 2024, came up for hearing on 13 February 2026.
Proceedings became tense during cross-examination when issues surrounding child safety were raised, including references to the 2022 death of Davido’s son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, whom he had with Chioma Rowland.
Following the exchange, the session was paused. When it resumed, the court reportedly asked the singer to apologise for his reaction, which he declined.
Shortly afterwards, he opted to discontinue the suit.
1. I never asked for full custody … I asked for joint custody
2. Nobody won , nobody lost but Imade … so I don’t know why some pple r celebrating.. there’s nothing to celebrate.
3 . I’ve decided to drop the case because when I was spanking that lawyer in the court room all ..…
Davido publicly confirmed the decision in an X post shared on Friday, stating:
“I never asked for full custody; I asked for joint custody. Nobody won, nobody lost, but Imade, so I don’t know why some people are celebrating… there’s nothing to celebrate.
“I’ve decided to drop the case because when I was spanking that lawyer in the courtroom…she would get so frustrated because normally I finished school…I was finishing her…until she brought out her last card! My Deceased Son! That’s a No No! Lowest blow! My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her. Let’s move on, One love!”
In another message, he wrote, “You’re constantly bringing up the death of my child at any point you can to just remind us of this tragedy that haunts us every day of our lives. Imade will grow up to see I fought for her. As for now, you can have her. P.S she won’t be a child forever… enjoy Imade Aurora Adeleke! Your father loves you!”
He maintained that the case was intended to formalise joint custody and ensure structured access, not to take the child away from her mother.
Backstory
Davido filed the suit in April 2024 seeking joint custody and unrestricted access to Imade.
The move followed years of co-parenting disagreements with her mother, Sophia Momodu, who opposed the request and argued that she remained the primary caregiver.
READ ALSO: Paternity Claims Unnecessary, DNA Tests Show Anu Not Davido’s Daughter – Adeleke
The matter had gone through multiple hearings and attempts at settlement without resolution before the February 2026 development.
With the withdrawal, the legal proceedings have effectively ended for now, leaving existing informal arrangements in place.
Davido said his priority is to “move on”, adding that his daughter would know he sought to remain actively involved in her life.
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