Afrobeats superstar Davido has fiercely reacted to a businessman, Muse Ariyoh, after a police invitation linked to an alleged $50,000 performance dispute surfaced online. During a livestream with content creators Carter Efe and Kolu, the singer dismissed the allegations and launched a verbal attack on the businessman.
"Shebi you want to be popular; you are a bastard. I will make you popular, you useless man. Can you pay me?" Davido said, visibly angered by the development.
Police Invitation and Petition Details
The controversy began when a letter of invitation from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, went viral. The letter, addressed to Davido, stated that investigators were conducting a fact-finding mission and required his clarification on a case. Attached to the invitation was a petition filed by lawyers representing Muse Ariyoh Bolaji Ariyoh, the proprietor of Loud by Mami Chula nightclub.
The petition, titled "Conspiracy and Obtaining Money Under False Pretence, the Sum of USD 50,000, Criminal Breach of Trust," names both Davido and businessman Ifeoluwa Babalola. According to the document, around January 2, 2026, Babalola—identified as the CEO of Srappcode of Africa Nigeria Limited—approached Ariyoh and claimed he had "the requisite capacity, authority, and connections" to secure Davido's performance at the club's grand opening.
Allegations of Payment and Unfulfilled Promises
The petition alleges that Babalola was engaged to procure Davido's appearance, handle event publicity, coordinate billboard advertising, and manage the participation of other artistes. It further claims that Ariyoh paid the total sum of $50,000 to Babalola for these services.
"Relying on the foregoing representations, our client paid the total sum of Fifty Thousand United States Dollars (USD 50,000.00) to Mr. Ifeoluwa Babalola for the execution of the said engagement," the petition read in part.
Davido's Response and Public Reaction
Davido's outburst came after the petition and invitation surfaced online, sparking widespread discussion among fans and the public. The singer, known for his chart-topping hits and global influence, did not mince words in addressing the allegations, which he dismissed as baseless.
The police invitation had requested Davido to report to the FCID Annex in Ikoyi for the fact-finding mission, but it remains unclear whether he has complied. The case has drawn significant attention, with many awaiting further developments.
Background and Implications
This incident adds to a series of controversies surrounding high-profile Nigerian entertainers and business dealings. The alleged dispute highlights potential risks in event booking and artiste management, where large sums are often exchanged based on promises of securing celebrity appearances.
As of now, neither Davido nor Babalola has issued an official statement beyond Davido's livestream remarks. The FCID has not commented publicly on the investigation's progress. Fans and industry watchers are keenly following the story, which underscores the need for transparency and accountability in such transactions.
