Nigerian wedding photographer David Martins has broken his silence following allegations of domestic abuse made publicly by his wife, Alicia Daniella, offering a different account of the events that led to the breakdown of their marriage.
Daniella had accused Martins of physical, verbal and psychological abuse during their relationship. She also alleged that one of the incidents occurred while she was carrying their infant son. She said she had reported the matter to relevant authorities, including the Lagos State Police Gender Unit.
Martins, however, has rejected the allegations and claimed that he was the victim of abuse and emotional manipulation in the relationship.
In his response, the photographer alleged that there were several occasions when Daniella became physically aggressive towards him. He shared photographs and videos which he said supported his account, including images of damaged property and an injury to his ear. He also disputed his wife’s description of an incident that reportedly attracted the attention of neighbours.
According to Martins’ account, he was attempting to leave during the confrontation when he was allegedly bitten on the finger. He further disputed claims surrounding an injury involving their child, saying the mark had resulted from an earlier insect bite rather than the incident described by his wife. These claims have not been independently established.
Martins’ Claims About Neon Adejo
The dispute has also taken a new turn following Martins’ allegations concerning Nigerian gospel singer Neon Adejo.
Martins reportedly accused his wife of having inappropriate or flirtatious conversations with Adejo, whom he described as his friend. He shared what he said were private exchanges between the two as part of his response to the allegations against him.
The emergence of Adejo’s name has generated additional attention online, given his profile as a gospel recording artist and worship leader. Adejo is known for songs including Eze Ebube and has built a significant following through his gospel music ministry.
However, the claims made by Martins about the nature of the conversations between his wife and Adejo remain allegations. There is no indication from the reports reviewed that a court or other competent authority has established that the alleged relationship occurred.
Competing Accounts
The controversy has effectively produced two conflicting narratives about the marriage.
Daniella’s account portrays her as a victim of prolonged abuse, while Martins maintains that he was subjected to abuse and manipulation by his wife. Both have presented material they say supports their respective versions of events.
Martins also addressed other aspects of their domestic life, including allegations surrounding household responsibilities, their separation and disagreements over financial support for their child. He further claimed that the couple’s dispute had become complicated by disagreements over their son’s surname and custody-related matters.
The allegations and counter-allegations have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with members of the public and entertainment personalities weighing in on the dispute.
For now, the matter remains a clash of competing accounts. Neither the domestic-abuse allegations against Martins nor his counter-allegations against Daniella and the claims involving Neon Adejo have been judicially established.