Sophia Momodu, the mother of Nigerian music star Davido’s first child, Imade, has accused the singer of abandoning their daughter for the past two years, News About Nigeria reports.
This accusation emerged in response to a lawsuit filed by Davido over the custody of their child.
The accusation was detailed in a statement dated June 22, 2024, from Momodu’s legal representatives, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, and Bimpe Ajegbomogun & Co.
Davido’s legal motion, seeking unrestricted access to Imade, was filed at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024, by his lawyers, Dr. Olaniyi Arije, Okey Barrah, and others.
The suit, tagged LD/1587PMC/2024, lists David Adedeji Adeleke (Davido) as the applicant and Sophia Momodu as the sole respondent.
Davido claimed that he has consistently fulfilled his paternal duties, including paying school fees, providing transportation, and even offering accommodation.
He claimed Momodu refused his offer of a condominium in Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, instead demanding N5 million annually for a rented facility.
Momodu, however, countered that Davido has not seen their daughter since July 2022 by his own choice.
She said that she has never denied him access to Imade.
She further recounted their past relationship phases from 2014 to 2017 and 2020 to 2022, during which Davido provided financial support for their daughter.
However, since their breakup in 2022, she claimed to have received threats from Davido over her refusal to engage in a sexual relationship with him.
“Sophia ended the relationship with David in July 2022. Since then, David has repeatedly threatened to make Sophia’s life miserable if she does not make herself available to him sexually,” the statement read.
“Sophia has never denied him the opportunity to see his daughter. He has not reached out on special occasions such as her birthday or Christmas for the past two years, which has left his daughter distressed and questioning why her father has cut contact with her. Despite this, David posts images of her on social media to falsely portray himself as a supportive and active father.”
Momodu also revealed that Davido has not met his financial obligations since July 2022, leaving her to cover all expenses, including rent, living costs, travel, healthcare, and school fees.
She noted that legal counsel was sought in February 2023, resulting in Davido’s father, Mr. Adedeji Adeleke, paying the outstanding school fees.
“Since July 2022, David has not fulfilled his financial responsibilities towards their daughter, leaving her school fees unpaid. Their daughter’s school has contacted him multiple times regarding the fees for the 2021/2022 school term and January 2023, with no response,” the statement added.
Momodu stressed the importance of Davido’s presence and emotional support for their daughter and disclosed that attempts to establish a formal co-parenting arrangement have been thwarted by his lawyers.
She accused Davido of using his social influence to isolate her and stressed that she has never denied him access to their daughter, only rejecting his advances for intimacy.
“David is in a publicly known relationship, and Sophia wishes him well. She seeks to move forward in her life free from harassment and verbal abuse,” the statement concluded.
