Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido has issued a stern cease-and-desist notice to Kenyan media company Mediamax, threatening legal action over a report that falsely claimed he was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In a letter from his lawyers at Conrad Law, seen by The Sharp Daily, Davido, whose real name is David Adedeji Adeleke, vehemently denied allegations published on April 1st by Mediamax’s K24 brand that he was “detained at JKIA with cash and drugs in his private jet.”
The lawyers branded the report, which appeared to be an April Fool’s prank, as “baseless” and a “deliberate smear campaign” against the 31-year-old singer’s reputation. They argued it falsely portrayed him as a “narcotics user/trafficker” engaged in criminal activities.
“By labeling Davido as a controlled substance user and a criminal without any evidence or factual basis, Mediamax Network Limited has engaged in a deliberate smear campaign aimed at tarnishing our client’s character and integrity,” the letter stated.
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It demanded Mediamax immediately remove the “defamatory and disparaging remarks”, cease publishing such claims, offer an unconditional public apology, admit liability, and compensate Davido for damages and costs.
“This reckless disregard for the truth demonstrates a complete lack of journalistic ethics and professional responsibility,” the lawyers wrote, giving Mediamax 48 hours to comply or face legal action for defamation.
Quoting the letter, they said: “As a reputable media organization, Mediamax Network Limited has a duty to ensure the accuracy and integrity of its reporting.”
Davido had performed at the “Raha Fest” concert in Nairobi on March 30th before the controversial report emerged on April 1st. His lawyers said it has caused “irreparable harm” to his personal and professional life as an “international megastar” with business interests across several jurisdictions.
“Our client has spent many years and extensive resources and significant energies in building his reputation to highly competitive international standards,” they added.
