David Adeleke, better known as Davido, revealed how Nigerian security agencies went on a manhunt for him at the request of his billionaire father, Deji Adeleke, when he left home as a teenager to pursue a career in music.
Living alone in his father’s 16-bedroom mansion after the passing of his mother and with his siblings studying abroad, Davido secretly set up a studio where he honed his craft.
Eventually, unable to keep his passion hidden any longer, he fled to London to live with a producer friend for six months.
Meanwhile, back in Nigeria, his family launched a massive search involving immigration officers, police, army, and other security agencies to track him down.
Davido shared his story on the American podcast, Bagfuel Brigade.
He said, “I was living alone with my dad in a 16-bedroom mansion because all my siblings were in America. I had a studio in the house and he didn’t know. A complete studio where I spent most of my time making music and smoking.
“I left the mansion for about six months. My dad was looking for me, the army, Immigration officers, Every security agency in Nigeria was looking for Dr. Deji Adeleke’s son, which is me.
“Eventually, I got caught at the airport on my way back from London where I have been staying with a producer friend making music.
“When I returned to Nigeria, I wasn’t planning to go home. I landed at the airport with the intention to go to a friend’s place — but the moment I stepped out, an army officer walked up to me and escorted me outside.
“Waiting there were uniformed men and my dad. I thought my would scold me but instead he hugged me. He was happy to see me.”
