Afrobeats star Davido announced his decision late Friday, February 13, 2026, to withdraw his legal suit for the joint custody of his daughter, Imade.
The singer expressed disappointment and anger over the conduct of the legal proceedings at the Lagos State High Court in Yaba, clarifying that his intentions were never to seek sole custody, as many had speculated. According to him, his goal was a shared arrangement to be present in his daughter’s life.
Recounting the outcome, he said that there was no winner in the dispute, “Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade … so I don’t know why some pple r celebrating. There’s nothing to celebrate.”
Davido revealed that the tipping point for his withdrawal was an exchange he characterized as the “lowest blow” imaginable. He alleged that the opposing legal team brought up the tragic death of his late son, Ifeanyi, during the proceedings to use against him.
Deeply distressed by this line of questioning, the singer decided to end the litigation, noting, “I’ve decided to drop the case because … until she brought out her last card! MY DECEASED SON! THAT’S A NO NO!” He further addressed the opposing counsel on Instagram, criticizing their professionalism and stating, “Like I said in the courtroom, I pray you never go through what me and my wife have gone through ever.”
The courtroom drama was also highlighted by Lagos-based lawyer Maruf Muhammed, who noted that the singer lost his patience during a rigorous cross-examination, reminding the public that “Be you never so high, the law is above you.”
Despite the legal friction, Davido maintained that his fight was rooted in love and a desire for responsibility, expressing confidence that his daughter would eventually understand his efforts.
He concluded his message by calling for peace, writing, “My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her … let’s move on. One love!” This development comes just as fans were celebrating recent photos of Imade spending quality time with her father following her success at a talent competition.
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