JUST IN: Police grill Davido’s domestic workers over son’s passing

Reports have been swirling on the internet since early on Tuesday, November 1, that Nigerian afrobeats star Davido and chef Chioma Rowland’s son, Ifeanyi, has died.

According to numerous reports, the three-year-old drowned in a swimming pool at Davido’s Banana Island residence in Lagos State while Davido and Rowland were away at a family gathering.

Just a few days ago, Rowland had shared a birthday tribute to her son on her Instagram feed.

“Happy birthday to the love of my life. Mummy loves you so much, may God always bless you for me. God has been so faithful to us and I’m so grateful to be called your mummy. May you be greater than your parents in Jesus’ name, amen. Love you twin! #big3.”

The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday said eight domestic workers were brought in for questioning in connection with the death of Davido’s son, Ifeanyi Adeleke.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said the domestic workers’ narrations would assist the command in ascertaining the circumstances surrounding the death of the three-year-old boy.

Hundeyin, however, said anyone not found culpable would be released immediately, adding the ones found culpable of negligence would be held back to assist the command in the ongoing investigation.

Hundeyin said, “His (Ifeanyi’s) death is confirmed. His (Davido’s) domestic workers have been brought in for questioning and anybody found not culpable will be allowed to go immediately.

“About eight of them were brought in to narrate their version of what happened to assist us in getting what really happened.

“At the end of their narrations, whoever that is found not guilty of negligence or not culpable in anyway will be allowed to go.

“Anybody found culpable will stay back to assist us in further investigation. The domestic workers are about eight that were brought in.”

However, since the news of Ifeanyi’s rumored death became public knowledge, Nigerians, particularly entertainment lovers, had been outraged and traumatised by the development.

A number of celebrities, have posted cryptic messages that appear to confirm the death of Ifeanyi. Some of which are comedians Ayo Makun and Lasisi Elenu, radio personality Daddy Freeze among others.

Makun, in an Instagram post early Tuesday, wrote, “The death of a child is unnatural, unfair, and tragic, this hit me so bad.”

Daddy Freeze, who went live on Instagram in the early hours of Tuesday morning said, “When the person you love is someone involved it becomes a heavy emotional burden. I am not confirming anything but bear with me I will not be live tonight.”

Lasisi Elenu also posted, “Father heal your children’s heart from this pain, strengthen them in such a dark and hurtful time oh Lord.”

Reality TV star and actress, Rosemary Afuwape, said on her Instagram story, “My heart can’t take this. This is so painfully unbearable. Chioma and Davido please accept my condolences. No amount of words can comfort your hearts. I am truly sorry for your loss.”

As of 1.28am, news of Ifeanyi’s rumored death was the most trending topic on Twitter.

The rumored death, however, emanated from a now deleted post from actress, Eniola Badmus, late Monday.

Nigerians, while reacting to Badmus’ post, criticised her for leaking such sensitive information to the public.

One Blessed Family❤️🙏🏾

Chioma pic.twitter.com/Czk5cNpkNL

— ChefChi👩‍🍳 (@thecheffchi) October 25, 2022

Prayers up for Chioma and Davido 🙏🏾❤️

— 1DON (@stefflondon) November 1, 2022

Forbes-featured Nigerian media personality Sally Suleiman added: “We love you Davido, we are praying for your family. We wait to hear from you, till then we are praying for you and your family.”

We love you Davido, we are praying for your family. We wait to hear from you, till then we are praying for you and your family.

— Sally Suleiman (@is_salsu) October 31, 2022