●As Sophia Momodu challenges daughter’s custody bid in court
Sophia Momodu, the mother of singer Davido’s child, has taken her case to the Lagos State High Court in Yaba. Momodu is arguing against Davido’s attempt to be granted custody of their daughter.
In her counter-affidavit opposing Davido’s custody suit, Momodu claimed that the popular musician is unfit to care for their child. She cited Davido’s unavailability and inability to provide consistent care for their daughter.
Momodu disclosed that their child nearly faced expulsion from school due to unpaid tuition fees, contradicting Davido’s claims of meeting his financial obligations. She asserted that Davido’s interest in their daughter was often conditional and linked to his personal desires or public image.
“He would condition visits to our daughter on my availability for his sexual pleasures,” Momodu stated. “Davido’s involvement with our daughter is often tied to his media stunts or promotions. He ceases communication and financial support whenever I refuse his sexual advances.”
Momodu recounted an incident from 2017 when Davido allegedly threw her and their daughter out of his Atlanta home during a summer holiday, forcing them to stay with a friend. She emphasized that Davido only engaged with their daughter when she acquiesced to his sexual demands, neglecting his parental duties otherwise.
Momodu highlighted her role in their daughter’s upbringing and accommodation, noting that Davido’s father had to step in to pay the school fees when Davido defaulted from 2021 to 2023. She also clarified that she is responsible for the rent of their apartment.
During the court proceedings, Momodu’s legal team, led by Chief (Dr.) Anthony Idigbe (SAN) of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, raised concerns about a published hearing notice in a national newspaper that mentioned their daughter’s name multiple times. The presiding judge, Justice A. J. Bashua, agreed that the child’s name should not have been mentioned and asked non-essential parties to leave the courtroom during the hearing.
Chief Idigbe referenced Sections 143, 144, and 145 of the Child’s Right Law of Lagos State, emphasizing the importance of protecting the privacy and best interests of the child in legal proceedings.
The custody battle between Davido and Sophia Momodu continues, with both parties making their case before the court.
