Custody dispute: Lawyer demands N1bn damages from Davido over alleged defamation
Ebelechukwu Enedah, the attorney representing Sophia Momodu in the current custody battle with singer Davido regarding their daughter, Imade, has requested N1 billion in damages from the artist due to purported harassment, cyberbullying, and threats to her life.
In a letter dated February 24 and sent through her legal representatives, Enedah charged Davido, whose actual name is David Adeleke, with engaging in defamatory behavior that allegedly damaged her professional reputation and subjected her to online assaults.
“The aggregate effect of your conduct has been devastating. Our client, a partner at PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors, a legal practitioner of over twenty (20) years’ post-call experience and a professional of impeccable standing, has, as a direct and proximate consequence of your actions, suffered severe damage to her professional reputation, acute emotional distress, well-founded fear for her own life and the lives of her family members, and tangible harm to her professional practice,” the letter reads.
It further added: “To publicly brand a lawyer of her standing as ‘the worst lawyer ever’ is not the expression of grievance. It is a deliberate and malicious act of reputational destruction, targeted at counsel for the singular reason that she discharged her professional duty with competence and without fear.”
Enedah also insisted that matters relating to the custody and welfare of a minor should not be turned into a public spectacle.
According to the letter, “It is equally settled that proceedings concerning the custody and welfare of a minor are not fit for public commentary, sensationalism, or social media spectacle.”
The controversy followed a heated court hearing in February in the custody dispute between Davido and Momodu.
Shortly after the proceedings, the singer announced on social media that he was withdrawing his custody bid.
Davido had accused the lawyer of referencing his late son during the proceedings, describing it as a “low blow”, while also sharing her name online.
Enedah, on the other hand, insisted that the singer immediately refrain from making any public remarks regarding her or the ongoing court case while the issue is still pending in court.
The letter also stated in part: "Immediately cease and desist from any further direct or indirect commentary, publications, posts, or statements (including through affiliates or associates) concerning this matter, our client, opposing counsel, or the proceedings while the lawsuit is sub judice."
Additionally, she requested a public apology and retraction on the singer’s verified social media accounts and in at least two widely circulated national newspapers.
The lawyer further urged that Davido instruct his followers and associates to refrain from any harassment, threats, or intimidation.
The letter cautioned that failure to meet these demands within seven days would leave her with no choice but to initiate legal proceedings at the Lagos State High Court to enforce the claims, including the N1 billion compensation being sought.
