Why Davido Withdrew from Imade’s Custody Case: The Full Breakdown

 

​The long-standing legal battle between Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and his first baby mama, Sophia Momodu, has taken a dramatic and final turn. In a move that shocked fans and the legal community alike, the "Unavailable" singer officially announced his withdrawal from the custody case involving their daughter, Imade Adeleke. This decision marks the end of a grueling two-year legal struggle at the Lagos State High Court, but the reasons behind the withdrawal are as emotional as they are controversial.

​The Core of the Dispute: Joint vs. Full Custody

​Contrary to many public narratives suggesting a fight for total control, Davido clarified that his legal petition was never about seeking full custody. His primary objective was to secure joint custody and "unfettered access" to his daughter. In a series of emotional posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, the singer emphasized that he simply wanted the right to be a present father in Imade's life. "I never asked for full custody... I asked for joint custody," he stated, debunking rumors that he intended to take the child away from Sophia entirely.

​The Breaking Point: A "Low Blow" in the Courtroom

​The sudden withdrawal was triggered by a specific event during a recent court hearing in Yaba. According to Davido, the atmosphere turned toxic when the opposing counsel—representing Sophia Momodu—referenced the tragic passing of his late son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, during cross-examination. For Davido, this was an unforgivable breach of ethical and emotional boundaries.

​The singer described the mention of his deceased son as the "lowest blow," stating that he could not continue a legal process where such a personal tragedy was used as a weapon against him. "I’ve decided to drop the case because... until she brought out her last card! MY DECEASED SON! THAT’S A NO NO!" he wrote. Reports indicate that the court asked the singer to apologize for his reaction to the lawyer's provocation, but he refused, ultimately choosing to discontinue the suit altogether.

​"Nobody Won, but Imade Lost"

​In his post-trial reflections, Davido dismissed any talk of victory for either side. While some supporters of Sophia Momodu viewed the withdrawal as a win, the singer argued that the only person who truly suffered from the legal stalemate was their daughter, Imade. By withdrawing, he effectively leaves the existing informal parenting arrangements in place, though he expressed a sense of peace knowing that he fought for his rights.

​"Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade... there’s nothing to celebrate," he lamented. He added that while he is stepping back from the courtroom, he is confident that Imade will grow up to realize that her father fought to be in her life.

​Moving Forward: What This Means for Davido and Sophia

​With the case formally discontinued, the legal drama that has dominated headlines since 2024 comes to a close. However, the tension between the two parents remains high. Davido’s legal team had previously argued that the singer consistently fulfilled his financial obligations, including school fees and accommodation, while Sophia’s team cited his lifestyle and travel schedule as reasons to limit his custody rights.

​As Davido shifts his focus back to his music career and his 2026 tour expansions, this development serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of celebrity co-parenting. For now, the "Timeless" artist is choosing to "move on" with "one love," prioritizing his mental health and the memory of his son over a protracted legal war.