Sophia Momodu: Custody conflict intensifies as lawyer demands N1bn from Davido

Sophia Momodu’s lawyer in her ongoing custody dispute with singer Davido has sought damages of $1 billion from the artiste for alleged defamation, harassment and cyberbullying.

Ebelechukwu Enedah, partner at Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, made the request in a letter dated February 24, accusing Davido – whose real name is David Adeleke – of conduct that is believed to have damaged her professional reputation and exposed her to online attacks.

In the letter issued through her legal representatives, Enedah said the singer’s public comments had resulted in reputational damage, emotional distress and safety concerns.

“The overall effect of your conduct has been devastating,” the letter reads, adding that he had suffered serious damage to his professional position and had well-founded fears for his safety and that of his family.

The lawyer also criticized the singer for calling her “the worst lawyer ever,” calling the remark defamatory and malicious.

“Publicly branding a lawyer ‘the worst lawyer ever’ is not an expression of grievance. It is a deliberate and harmful act of reputation destruction,” the letter reads.

Enedah further argued that matters relating to the custody and well-being of a child should not be subject to public comment or debate on social media.

“It is equally well established that proceedings concerning the custody and welfare of a child are not suitable for public comment, sensationalism or spectacle on social media,” he said.

The development follows a heated court session in February in the custody dispute between Davido and Momodu of their daughter Imade. Shortly after the proceedings, the singer announced via social media that he was withdrawing his custody request.

Davido had previously accused the lawyer of referring to his late son during the court proceedings, describing it as a “low blow”, and later shared his name online.

In response, Enedah demanded that the singer immediately cease making public comments about her or the case while the matter remained before the court.

He also demanded a public apology and retraction across his verified social media platforms and in at least two widely circulated national newspapers.

The letter warned that failure to comply within seven days would result in legal action in the Lagos State High Court to enforce the claims, including the requested compensation of one billion dollars.

At the time of filing this report, Davido had not publicly responded to the request.