The law firm representing Afrobeats star Davido’s estranged girlfriend Sophia Momodu in her ongoing child support case has issued a warning to the Nigerian singer and her supporters following a series of public abuses on social media.
In a statement released on Monday, Punuka Lawyers & Advocates condemned “all kinds of inflammatory public statements” against their partner, Eberechukwu Eneda, arising out of her professional conduct during custody proceedings in the Lagos State Court.
The firm stressed that the matter is subjudicial and “will be decided only by the courts, based on the evidence and the law,” and warned that attempts to intimidate legal practitioners could undermine the rule of law.
“Our attention has been drawn primarily to a statement made by a Nigerian Afrobeats artiste through social media directed towards our partners arising out of her professional conduct in a custody matter currently pending in a court of competent jurisdiction in Lagos State.
“When legal practitioners are threatened, intimidated, or harassed outside the courtroom for asking questions, examining evidence, or discharging their professional obligations to clients, the very foundations of justice are at risk,” the statement said.
The warning follows a series of posts by Mr Davido last Friday in which he expressed displeasure at what he called “insensitive comments about his late son” during cross-examination in court.
In a widely shared Instagram post, he wrote: “As I said in court, I hope you never go through what me and my wife went through, and you were still laughing and grinning.
“You’re an evil person. You’re the worst lawyer ever. I beat you in court. You haven’t learned.”
The singer then falsely implicated gospel artist Tosin Bee, leading to a barrage of harassment on the musician’s social media pages.
Tosin Bee quickly clarified the situation and emphasized the mistake, saying, “Hello David, I don’t know anything about your post. In fact, my mother went to be with the Lord eight years ago. I think this is a mistake. I’m sorry you had to react this way, but my prayers are with you. I love you brother.”
The backlash against Eneda was so great that she made her social media accounts private, restricting access to only her followers.
Punuka Lawyers and Lawyers reiterated their commitment to protecting the integrity and safety of lawyers.
They called on the Nigerian Bar Association and lawyers around the world to condemn actions that could undermine the judicial process.
“Punuka lawyers and lawyers will use all available legal means to resist any attempts to intimidate lawyers or obstruct the judicial process.
“Those who engage in conduct that is considered to obstruct the administration of justice will be subject to all retribution provided by law,” the statement reads in part.
PUNCH Online reported that Davido has clarified that he never asked for full custody of X and confirmed that he will drop the custody case.
“I never asked for full custody. I asked for joint custody. No one won and no one lost except Imade. There is nothing to celebrate,” he wrote.
He also expressed disappointment with the development in court, saying, “I decided to drop the case because…until she plays her last card! My deceased son! That’s no good! The worst blow!”
“My daughter will grow up knowing that I fought for her…Let’s move on. Love is one!”
Our correspondent had earlier reported that Davido had filed a petition at the Lagos State High Court seeking joint custody of his daughter.
