Barely two weeks after warning against alleged intimidation and harassment, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, counsel to Sophia Momodu in her child custody dispute with singer David “Davido” Adeleke, has issued a pre-action notice to the artiste, demanding ₦1 billion in damages and a public apology.
The notice follows a tense courtroom exchange between Davido and one of the firm’s partners, Ebelechukwu Enedah, during proceedings relating to the custody of his daughter, Imade.
The disagreement reportedly arose after Enedah mentioned the singer’s late son, Ifeanyi, during cross-examination. Davido subsequently took to his X page to criticise the lawyer.
In response, the firm condemned what it described as derogatory remarks made against Enedah and reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice strictly in accordance with the law.
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In a letter dated February 24, and signed by Decency Nkume, Associate, and Nnamdi Oragwu, Partner, the firm stated that it acted on Enedah’s instructions and formally notified the singer of her intention to commence legal proceedings should its demands not be met.
According to the letter, the demands are in line with the High Court of Lagos (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, which require parties to make genuine efforts at amicable settlement before initiating litigation.
The firm stated, “Our Client hereby demands as follows: Immediately cease from any further direct or indirect commentary, publications, posts, or statements (including via affiliates or cohorts) relating to this matter, our Client, opposing counsel, or the proceedings while the suit remains sub judice.
“Issue clear and unequivocal public statement across all your verified social media platforms (Instagram, X, etc.), expressly withdrawing all prior derogatory, defamatory, and abusive statements, apologising for the harm caused, and directing your associates, followers, and cohorts to immediately desist from any harassment, threats, intimidation, contact, or publication directed at our client or her family.”
The firm further demanded that the “If” crooner publish a formal written apology to Mrs Enedah, tagging her social media handle, and retract what it described as defamatory statements and acts of cyberbullying. The apology, it said, must be published with equal prominence on all his verified social media platforms and in at least two widely circulated national daily newspapers in Nigeria.
It also sought compensation in the sum of ₦1,000,000,000.
“We do not expect that you will fail to comply with the above demands. However, take notice that should you fail to comply with our Client’s demand within seven (7) days from the receipt of this letter, our Client shall commence an action against you at the High Court of Lagos to claim the above reliefs/demands. Please be assured of our utmost professional regards,” the letter added.
The dispute is the latest development in the protracted custody battle over Imade, whom Davido welcomed with Sophia Momodu in May 2015.
In June 2024, the singer approached the court seeking joint custody of his daughter, alongside unrestricted access to the child. The move followed a series of public and private disagreements between the former couple.
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