Nigerian musician Davido has filed a lawsuit against the mother of his first child, Sophia Momodu, demanding sole custody of her nine-year-old daughter, Imade Aurora Adeleke.
The case filed by Davido's legal team, including prominent lawyers Dr. Olaniyi Arije and Okey Barrah, was filed at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024.
In his application, Davido outlined several reasons for his decision to seek sole custody.
He accused Sophia Momodu of exploiting their daughter to gain significant financial benefits from him. She had constantly made unreasonable demands and refused to make reasonable concessions.
Among the complaints listed, Davido stressed that he had conscientiously fulfilled his parental duties towards Imade.
He claimed that he had always paid for her education, accommodation and other things necessary for her well-being.
Although Sophia Momodu Imade provided safe accommodation and vehicles for her transportation needs, Davido alleged, she continued to demand substantial financial support for rent and vehicle maintenance.
“It is on record that I was responsible for paying all my daughter’s school fees to enable her to have the best education possible and to smoothly meet all her educational needs,” Davido stated. “I also provided money for the rent of the apartment where the defendant lives with our daughter. The defendant rejected the offer to stay and live in the above-described secured Oniru apartment which had already been purchased but demanded that I continue to pay 5,000,000 Naira annually for a rented facility as my contribution to accommodate my daughter.”
Davido also stressed that he bought a Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle for Sophia Momodu and her daughter, but claimed that she complained about the condition of the vehicle without notifying him.
“I provided another vehicle, a Highlander SUV, and in addition the sum of 5.8 million naira demanded by her for the repair of the Range Rover SUV. This means that there are now two vehicles in the care and use of the defendant and our daughter,” he explained.
He further argued that her demands for nanny fees and foreign travel were unreasonable and not in the best interest of the child. “The defendant is demanding that I pay the nanny she hired $800 per month and that the total sum of $19,600 per year be paid as a lump sum,” Davido added.
In his statement to the court, Davido expressed his grave concern over Sophia Momodus' alleged inappropriate behaviour which caused him severe emotional distress. Despite his efforts to meet Imade's needs, Davido claimed Sophia Momodus' persistent demands were designed to frustrate him.
The case has attracted a lot of attention, and many are closely following how the court deliberates on the contentious custody battle.
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