Behind the lights, awards and social media applause, some of Nigeria’s biggest celebrities are fighting their most personal battles quietly or loudly in courtrooms. Child custody disputes have become a recurring issue in the entertainment space, often unfolding under public scrutiny. From actors and musicians to media personalities, these cases reveal the emotional cost of broken relationships and the struggle to protect children while living in the spotlight.
Below are seven notable Nigerian celebrity child custody cases, from the most recent to the older.
Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko
In October 2025, the marriage of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels and politician Senator Ned Nwoko began to publicly unravel, drawing widespread attention when Regina appeared in a viral video describing deep emotional pain within her family. The situation soon evolved into a custody battle over their two sons, Prince Munir and Prince Khalifa.
Regina took to Instagram on December 16, 2025, sharing an emotional message about her separation from her children. In a video call with her sons, she showed gifts she had sent and quoted her children saying, “Mama, come back”. She wrote:
“People may believe that I am happy, but no mother can be at peace while separated from her children… I may be young, but I am such a mum, I enjoy being a mum and I miss being a mum.”
She also spoke directly to her estranged husband’s actions, calling the situation “crazy” and vowing she would fight to see her children soon. “It’s so crazy if their father thinks I won’t come for my children. I will definitely see my kids soon!” she wrote, expressing both pain and determination.
Senator Nwoko responded publicly, refuting claims that Regina was being blocked from her children and describing her absence as “by choice, not force”.
His communications team also shared that an Abuja court ordered Regina to undergo drug rehabilitation and assessment by the Abuja Social Welfare Department before access can be restored, and that the substantive hearing was adjourned to February 4, 2026. Nwoko’s statement emphasised that the children were being raised in a stable environment and that emotional readiness was a priority for any parent involved.
The public dimension of the dispute, with Regina’s heartfelt posts and Nwoko’s counter statements, turned this into one of the most closely watched custody sagas of 2025.
Do2dtun and D’banj’s sister
Media personality Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode aka Do2dtun has had one of the most public and emotional custody struggles of recent years as he fought to see his two daughters after separating from his wife, Omotayo Oyebanjo, who is also the sister of singer D’banj.
For years Do2dtun took to social media to call out his estranged wife and her family over denied access to his children. He publicly shared how much he missed his daughters and pleaded for contact, writing heartfelt posts about time lost, school days missed, and the bond he shared with his children. In one widely-shared message, he marked International Day of the Girl Child and wrote, “My girls; Daddy misses you… Daddy is still fighting in a lawless country… Daddy loves you…”
In 2023, Do2dtun resumed his custody fight with fiery posts that accused his ex-wife and members of her family of blocking his access. At one point he even publicly challenged singer D’banj, saying he would expose family details if access to his children was not arranged. A court later ordered him to refrain from mentioning D’banj’s name on social media as part of the litigation process.
Throughout this battle, Do2dtun often described how he had tried many routes to see his kids, including flying to Abuja to try to take them to school, only to be refused. He said these experiences were painful and demoralizing, yet he remained determined to fight for his rights to be involved in their lives.
However, the saga continued into 2025 with fresh controversy. In November 2025, Do2dtun publicly accused the US Embassy and other parties of allegedly assisting his ex-wife in relocating their children abroad without his consent, a move he described as deeply unfair and distressing.
Support from peers like actor Bolanle Ninalowo encouraged him to persist, with Bolanle telling him “never stop fighting” for his children’s rights. Do2dtun’s response appreciated the support, reflecting ongoing emotional strain and the belief that his fight was about parental love and justice.
At times he has spoken about wanting to focus on other aspects of life, yet his public lamentations about not seeing his children have remained a central part of his story. This shows how custody battles can stretch for years and play out under the watchful eye of the public.
Comedian Buchi
Comedian Onyebuchi “Buchi” Ojieh made headlines in late 2023 with a deeply personal and public struggle to maintain contact with his children after his marriage ended.
In November 2023, Buchi used Instagram to call out his estranged wife’s parents for denying him access to his children, who were reportedly living with them in the United States. He claimed he was only permitted to speak with his children under restrictive terms set by the in‑laws, including limited voice calls or video calls, and alleged that they blocked him after each interaction. He also said they had demanded large sums of money in support before allowing any contact, a demand he rejected as unfair.
At the time, Buchi lamented that he had been silent for years but could no longer remain quiet, asking, “You have your kids, allow me access to my kids… Family when they repay good with wickedness… return my kids, please.” His posts painted a vivid picture of frustration and pain as he fought to connect with his own children.
Then, on December 4, 2023, Buchi announced on Instagram that he had been granted full access to his kids. He wrote, “I have been granted full access to my kids… we better in all things… THANK YOU EVERYONE… the good, the bad, the ugly.” The message reflected relief and gratitude after weeks of public distress.
His journey did not end there. In July 2025, videos and reports circulated showing him reuniting emotionally with his daughter at an airport after a period of separation following the earlier conflict. Buchi was seen hugging his daughter tightly, saying he was “grateful every day… truly blessed,”marking a poignant moment in his long‑running access battle.
Buchi’s custody story captured public sympathy, partly because of how openly he shared his struggles online. His journey shows the emotional toll of custody and access issues, especially with extended family involvement and when children live abroad.
Queen Mercy Atang and Lord Lamba
Reality TV star Queen Mercy Atang and content creator Lord Lamba became a focus of public attention in 2024 over the custody of their daughter, Princess Kielah.
The child’s birth was first hinted publicly in December 2022, when Queen shared photos of her daughter without naming the father. Later, on February 29, 2024, Queen announced her engagement to David Oyekanmi, and Lord Lamba confirmed he was Princess Kielah’s father by posting photos with the baby and sharing her passport showing his last name.
A custody petition addressed to the Family Court in Lagos State was dated February 16, 2024 and circulated online in early March. In that petition, Lord Lamba claimed he was being denied access to their daughter despite regularly paying child support, and asked the court for custodial rights.
The case came before a magistrate court on May 23, 2024, but the hearing was adjourned to July 18, 2024, because Lord Lamba failed to appear with his lawyer. Queen Mercy was present in court that day, but the judge agreed to reschedule after the absence of Lamba and his legal team.
Throughout this period, Queen Mercy continued her life publicly, including her engagement and March 17, 2024 court wedding to David Oyekanmi which some observers said contributed to Lord Lamba’s argument about her capacity to care full time for their child. In response, Lord Lamba suggested that her upcoming marriage might limit her time for parenting and said his family could provide stability for Kielah.
By late 2025, Queen Mercy had also publicly confirmed the end of her marriage to David Oyekanmi, writing on Instagram that she was “single and unavailable” when a fan asked about her marital status. This added another layer to her personal and parenting life during the extended custody conflict with Lord Lamba.
The custody battle between Queen Mercy and Lord Lamba remains one of the more discussed celebrity family disputes in recent years, highlighting the challenges of co‑parenting, public relationships, and legal complexities around access and care.
Davido and Sophia Momodu
In April 2024, Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, took his long-running custody disagreement with Sophia Momodu to the Lagos State High Court
He filed a suit seeking joint custody of their daughter, Imade Adeleke, who was born on May 14, 2015. The legal action was filed under suit number LD/1587PMC/2024, naming Davido as the applicant and Sophia as the sole respondent. In the suit, Davido asked the court for unfettered and unrestricted access or joint custody of their daughter, emphasizing his wish to have a legal framework for co-parenting.
Davido’s supporting affidavit detailed his financial contributions to Imade’s life, stating that he has covered her school fees, provided accommodation funds, paid for transportation, and taken responsibility for her health care and nanny expenses. He even offered to provide a ₦200 million apartment in a secure Lagos estate for Imade and her mother’s use, an offer that, he said, was declined in favour of continued rental arrangements.
Sophia Momodu responded with a 102-paragraph counter-affidavit, telling the court why she opposed Davido’s request for custody. Sophia’s team argued that Davido has been absent from Imade’s life for significant stretches, especially since 2022, and alleged that he was not consistently available to care for their daughter.
They also raised concerns about the artist’s frequent travel and lifestyle, saying this would hinder stable parenting and citing the tragic death of Davido’s younger son, Ifeanyi, as a reason she believed Imade should remain primarily in her care.
The courtroom clash at times became dramatic. Sophia’s lawyers highlighted instances where school fees were reportedly unpaid until Davido’s family intervened, while Davido publicly accused Sophia of making demands aimed at frustrating his efforts to see his daughter.
In one notable social media message, Davido wrote that although he wanted joint custody, “you can have her for now… Imade will grow up to see I fought for her… P.S she won’t be a child forever… enjoy Imade Aurora Adeleke! Your father loves you.” This signaled a moment where he appeared to step back amid the heated exchange.
By May 2025, there was a significant development: after nearly two years of limited contact and legal disputes, Davido reunited with Imade, posting a heartfelt photo from their meeting with the caption “Best day of my life.” This moment was widely shared as a hopeful sign that, despite the ongoing legal process, father and daughter were finding space to rebuild their relationship.
The case was also referred to alternative dispute resolution by the court, suggesting that the judge encouraged both parents to resolve their differences outside the formal courtroom setting, prioritizing Imade’s well-being. Industry figures and family members, including Sophia’s uncle, Dele Momodu, publicly called for calm and cooperation, emphasising that Imade’s best interests should be at the centre.
Davido’s custody battle with Sophia Momodu became one of the most widely followed celebrity legal stories of 2024-2025, shedding light on how high-profile parents navigate love, responsibility and public scrutiny while trying to do what they believe is best for their child.
Yul Edochie and May Edochie
The custody and divorce saga between Nollywood actor Yul Edochie and his first wife May Edochiehas played out over several years, marked by public claims, legal filings and emotional commentary.
The dispute traces back to April 2022, when Yul announced that he had married fellow actor Judy Austin as a second wife, sparking strong backlash from May and many Nigerians. This announcement followed the tragic loss of their eldest son in March 2023 and preceded May Edochie’s filing for divorce in August 2023, accompanied by claims of adultery and demands for damages.
Throughout 2024, May’s legal representative, Emeka Ugwuonye, made public allegations that Yul had largely stopped caring for their children and had directed them to rely on May for financial support. He also claimed that Yul justified this by saying May earned more than him. These comments fueled online debate about parental responsibility and co‑parenting expectations.
The couple’s divorce case was repeatedly postponed. A scheduled hearing in March 2024 was delayed due to the absence of Yul’s lawyer, and further procedural conferences stretched into 2025 as both sides attempted to negotiate aspects of custody, property and marital rights.
By July 2025, May’s lawyer stated that May and Yul were co‑parenting their children effectively, with Yul contributing to their school fees and having access to spend time with them — a shift from earlier claims of neglect. The lawyer emphasized that co‑parenting is both a legal and moral responsibility for the estranged couple.
Although the divorce and custody matters remain formal legal issues, this evolution from public accusations of abandonment to statements about co‑parenting, shows how the situation has developed over time. Both parties continue to navigate family obligations under public scrutiny.
Tonto Dikeh and Olakunle Churchill
One of the earliest widely reported celebrity custody battles in Nigeria involved actress Tonto Dikehand businessman Olakunle Churchill. Their relationship began in 2014, and they married in August 2015. The couple welcomed a son, King Andre, in February 2016 but separated in July 2017following allegations of infidelity and abuse.
In March 2019, an Abuja Customary Court granted Tonto Dikeh full custody of King Andre, with Churchill reportedly given conditional visitation rights after he had initiated legal action to secure access. This ruling was widely covered and came after a contentious battle in court.
In the years that followed, Tonto and Churchill continued to make headlines with occasional public comments about parenting, boundaries and how their son’s welfare should be handled, especially with Tonto’s reality show ambitions at times drawing criticism. Although the 2019 custody order remains the core legal basis, the couple’s dynamic has continued to attract media attention long after the original judgment.
Conclusion
These cases show that child custody battles are rarely simple, especially when fame is involved. Beyond the headlines and online debates are children whose lives are shaped by court decisions, parental conflict and public opinion.
As more Nigerian celebrities speak openly about custody struggles, the conversation continues to shift toward access, responsibility and the best interest of the child, even in the glare of the spotlight.
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