The long-running custody battle between Nigerian music star Davido (David Adeleke) and his first baby mama, Sophia Momodu, took a dramatic turn on Thursday as proceedings at the Lagos High Court became tense during cross-examination.
The case, which centres on the custody and welfare of their daughter Imade Adeleke, resumed with Davido taking the witness stand. The singer is seeking joint custody and unrestricted access to his child, a move Sophia has consistently opposed, insisting she has been the primary caregiver since birth.
According to reporters present in court, the atmosphere became charged when Sophia’s legal team subjected Davido to a rigorous cross-examination. Questions focused on his availability as a father, his past involvement in Imade’s upbringing, and issues surrounding financial and emotional support.
During the exchange, Davido was said to have lost his composure, appearing visibly frustrated and emotional as the questioning intensified. Observers noted murmurs in the courtroom as the singer struggled to maintain calm, with the judge stepping in to restore order at one point. Davido’s father, Chief Adedeji Adeleke, who was present in court, was later seen offering support to his son.
Sophia Momodu, seated quietly with her lawyers, maintained a firm posture throughout the session. Her legal team reiterated her position that granting joint custody may not be in the child’s best interest, citing concerns already raised in earlier filings before the court.
The hearing did not produce a final ruling. The presiding judge adjourned the matter to a later date, stating that the court would continue to carefully review evidence and testimonies from both parties before reaching a decision.
Outside the courthouse, the case quickly became a trending topic on social media, with fans and commentators reacting to reports of the tense courtroom exchange.
The custody dispute, first filed in 2024, remains unresolved as the court continues to weigh the arguments of both parents over the future care of Imade Adeleke.