The ongoing custody dispute between Nigerian music star David Adeleke aka Davido and social media personality Sophia Momodu over their daughter, Imade Adeleke, has taken a new legal turn.
The matter, which is currently before the High Court of Lagos State, has largely centred on issues surrounding custody and the welfare of the minor. However, proceedings in the courtroom have now spilled into a separate legal confrontation outside the core custody claims.
On February 24, 2026, a ₦1 billion pre-action notice was reportedly issued against Davido. It was not issued by Sophia Momodu, but by her legal representative, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Egeonu Enedah, a partner at PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors. The notice alleges harassment, defamation, cyberbullying and threats to life following events said to have occurred during and after a recent court sitting.
Here is a breakdown of what the notice claims, what led to it, and why it could mark a significant escalation in an already high-profile dispute.
What Happened in Court?
According to the legal notice issued later by Sophia’s lawyer, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Egeonu Enedah, the trouble began when Davido was being cross-examined. The notice says that during this part of the proceedings, Davido allegedly became aggressive and verbally abusive toward Mrs. Enedah, who was representing Sophia Momodu in court. The document describes his conduct as “wholly unbecoming of a litigant” and says the interaction deteriorated to such an extent that physical restraint became necessary to prevent further disruption.
The pre-action notice also claims that the judge in that session directed Davido to apologise to Mrs. Enedah in open court for his behaviour. However, it states that he did not comply with the court’s directive and refused to apologise as ordered.
These courtroom tensions are presented as the trigger for the later escalation that spilled out of the courtroom and onto social media. It also led to the lawyer’s demand for a formal apology, retraction of statements, and financial compensation.
What Happened After the Court Hearing?
The tensions inside the High Court of Lagos State did not end with the adjournment of the custody hearing. They spilled into public view and social media, setting the stage for further legal escalation.
Following the February 12, 2026 session, which was part of the ongoing dispute between Davido and Sophia Momodu over custody of their daughter, Imade Adeleke, the saga continued on social media.
Davido took to his verified social media accounts to comment on the proceedings, expressing deep frustration about how aspects of the hearing unfolded, particularly claims that his late son was referenced during the session. He used strong language to criticise the conduct of opposing counsel.
In one notable misstep, Davido publicly tagged and criticised gospel singer Tosin Bee, apparently believing he was connected to the lawyer involved in the court case. Tosin Bee later clarified that he was not involved and that the singer’s comment had been based on a mistaken assumption.
Before the formal legal notice was issued on February 24, 2026, the law firm representing Sophia had already stepped into the public fray. Its partners issued statements warning that public attacks and harassment of legal counsel could undermine the judicial process, stressing that the custody matter was sub judice (still before the court) and should be handled only through lawful channels.
The firm condemned what it described as harassing commentary aimed at one of its partners and emphasised that legal professionals must be able to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation or abuse especially in high-profile cases involving children.
From Online Fallout to Formal Legal Action
In the days following the public back-and-forth, the law firm representing Sophia Momodu signalled that it viewed the developments as more than just online disagreement. The firm maintained that the conduct directed at its partner went beyond criticism and crossed into harassment and reputational harm, given the scale of Davido’s online following and influence.
Against that backdrop, on February 24, 2026, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Egeonu Enedah, through PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors, issued a formal pre-action notice to Davido. The document which went viral on March 2, outlines specific allegations relating to events inside the courtroom and subsequent social media posts, and sets out a series of demands. This includes a public apology, retraction of statements and compensation in the sum of N1 billion.
Below is what the notice specifically claims.
What the Pre-Action Notice Claims
The February 24, 2026 pre-action notice sets out a series of allegations against Davido, arguing that his conduct during and after the February 12 court sitting amounted to harassment, defamation, cyberbullying and threats to life directed at Mrs. Ebelechukwu Egeonu Enedah, the lawyer representing Sophia Momodu in the custody dispute.
Here is a breakdown of the key claims contained in the document:
1. Alleged Courtroom Misconduct
The notice alleges that during cross-examination at the High Court of Lagos State, Davido became verbally aggressive toward Mrs. Enedah. It further claims that the situation escalated to the point where physical restraint was required and that the court directed him to apologise in open court. He didn’t obey, according to the notice
2. Alleged Online Harassment
According to the document, the dispute moved to social media shortly after the hearing. The notice claims that posts from account ‘@cutie_juls’ allegedly affiliated with Davido identified and publicised the lawyer’s image and identity, leading to a surge of abusive messages and threats directed at her.
It further alleges that Davido himself published posts on his verified social media accounts in which he tagged the lawyer and made statements described in the notice as defamatory and injurious to her professional reputation.
3. Defamation Claims
The pre-action notice reproduces portions of the social media statements it considers libellous, including remarks about the lawyer’s competence and conduct in court. It argues that the statements were false, damaging to her standing as a legal practitioner, and calculated to expose her to ridicule and harm.
The document emphasises that branding a lawyer as “the worst lawyer ever,” in the context of an ongoing case, was not merely an expression of frustration but, in its view, an attempt to damage her reputation professionally.
4. Alleged Targeting of Third Parties
Another element raised in the notice concerns the alleged tagging and criticism of individuals believed to be connected to the lawyer, including gospel singer Tosin Bee who was reportedly misidentified as her relative. The notice argues that this exposed unrelated individuals to harassment from online followers.
5. Impact on the Custody Proceedings
Beyond reputational harm, the document contends that public commentary on an ongoing custody matter, particularly one involving a minor introduces complications into proceedings that should remain focused on the best interests of the child, Imade Adeleke.
What Is a Pre-Action Notice and What Happens Next?
A pre-action notice is a formal legal warning issued before a lawsuit is filed in court. Under civil procedure rules in Lagos, parties are generally expected to attempt an amicable resolution before commencing full legal proceedings. A pre-action notice serves that purpose: it notifies the recipient of intended claims and outlines specific demands that must be met to avoid litigation.
In this case, the notice issued to Davido gives him seven days to comply with several demands made by Mrs. Ebelechukwu Egeonu Enedah, the lawyer representing Sophia Momodu in the custody matter involving their daughter, Imade Adeleke.
What the Lawyer Is Demanding
The notice outlines four key remedies:
1. Cease and desist
An immediate stop to any further comments about the lawyer, the proceedings, or related individuals while the case remains before the court.
2. Public retraction and apology
A clear withdrawal of the allegedly defamatory statements, published across all verified social media platforms.
3. Formal apology in national newspapers
In addition to social media posts, the notice demands publication of an apology in at least two widely circulated national dailies.
4. N1 billion in compensation
The notice seeks N1,000,000,000 in damages for alleged reputational harm, emotional distress and professional impact.
If there is no compliance within the stated seven-day period, the notice indicates that a lawsuit will be filed at the High Court of Lagos State. That action could potentially include claims for defamation, harassment and related civil remedies.
It is important to note that a pre-action notice is not a court judgment. It represents one party’s formal position and signals an intention to sue if resolution is not reached. Any claims would still have to be tested in court.
