Davido, Paternity Claims And The Law: What Legal Options Exist If The Allegation Is False
Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is once again at the centre of a public paternity dispute—one he has firmly denied. The singer has stated that he is not the father of the child in question, claims he has undertaken DNA testing that returned negative results, and has further asserted that he has never met the woman making the allegation.
Beyond the emotional and reputational weight of such claims, the situation raises important legal questions: what remedies are available to a public figure if a paternity allegation is false and persistently made?
Defamation: Protecting Reputation Under the Law
Under Nigerian law, repeated public allegations that are false and damaging can amount to defamation, either in the form of libel (written or published) or slander (spoken). For a claim to be defamatory, it must be proven that:
The allegation is false
For a global artist like Davido, whose brand spans endorsements, partnerships, and international influence, reputational damage is not abstract—it is measurable. If he can establish that the claim is false and malicious, he may seek civil damages, a formal retraction, and in some cases, an injunction restraining further publication of the allegation.
False Claims and Abuse of Public Platforms
If the allegation continues despite verified evidence to the contrary, legal experts note that it may cross into harassment or malicious falsehood, particularly when social media is used to sustain public pressure. Courts increasingly recognise the harm caused by sustained online campaigns, especially when they target high-profile individuals.
Davido could lawfully argue that the persistence of the claim—despite his denials—constitutes a deliberate attempt to injure his character or extract leverage through public sympathy.
Court-Ordered DNA Testing
While Davido has said DNA tests have already been conducted, a court remains the ultimate arbiter in disputes of this nature. A judge may order an independent, court-supervised DNA test if a case is formally filed. Such a result would carry finality and legal authority, potentially bringing the matter to a close.
If the result confirms non-paternity, it would significantly strengthen any subsequent legal action for damages.
Extortion, Blackmail, and Criminal Liability
Should it be proven that the allegation was made to coerce money, recognition, or public acknowledgement, the matter could escalate beyond civil law. Extortion or blackmail, if supported by evidence, carries criminal implications under Nigerian law.
However, such claims require a high evidentiary threshold and are typically pursued with caution.
The Burden of Proof
It is important to note that the burden of proof lies with the claimant. In paternity disputes, allegations alone are insufficient. Courts rely on scientific evidence, documented interactions, and credible timelines—not public sentiment.
A Broader Conversation
While the legal routes are clear, cases like this also highlight the tension between private disputes and public trials by social media. For celebrities, the court of public opinion often moves faster than the court of law but only one delivers binding outcomes.
For now, Davido’s position remains unequivocal: he denies the claim, disputes any personal connection to the woman involved, and insists that science not speculation should settle the matter.
Whether the issue proceeds to court or fades from public view, it stands as a reminder that false allegations carry legal consequences, regardless of who they are made against or who makes them.
