The law firm representing Sophia Momodu in her child custody case with singer Davido has warned against attempts to intimidate legal practitioners following social media reactions to the court proceedings.
In a statement released on Monday, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors condemned what it described as “all manner of inflammatory public statements” directed at its partner, Ebelechukwu Enedah, over her conduct during the custody case before a Lagos State court.
The firm said the matter is sub judice and “will be decided by the court alone, on evidence and law,” adding that harassment of lawyers could undermine justice.
“Our attention has been drawn to statements chiefly engineered by a Nigerian Afrobeat artiste, via social media, directed at our partner arising from her professional conduct in a custody matter presently pending before a court of competent jurisdiction in Lagos State.
“If legal practitioners are to be threatened, intimidated, or exposed to harassment outside the courtroom for asking questions, testing evidence, or discharging their professional duty to their clients, then the very foundation of justice is imperiled,” the statement read.
The reaction followed posts by Davido expressing anger over remarks made during cross examination about his deceased son. He wrote, “Like I said in the courtroom, I pray you never go through what me and my wife have gone through ever, and you were still smiling, smirking.
“You are a wicked human being. You are the worst lawyer ever. I beat you in court. You are not learned.”
The singer later mistakenly implicated gospel artiste Tosin Bee, who clarified, sayiny, “Hello Mr David, I don’t know anything about the post you made. As a matter of fact, my mum went to be with the Lord eight years ago. I guess this is a case of mistaken identity. So sorry you had to deal with this, but my prayers are with you. I love you brother.”
Punuka urged the Nigerian Bar Association and lawyers worldwide to condemn actions capable of interfering with judicial proceedings.
Davido later said he would withdraw the case, writing, “I never asked for full custody. I asked for joint custody. Nobody won, nobody lost, but Imade. There is nothing to celebrate,” adding that he decided to drop the case after court developments and urging that everyone move on.
