David Martins’ Wife Accuses Wedding Photographer of Domestic Violence, Says She Was Attacked While Holding Their Baby

Popular Nigerian wedding photographer David Martins has been accused by his wife, Alicia Daniella, of years of physical, verbal and psychological abuse. Daniella alleged that Martins attacked her on May 7, 2026, while she was carrying their three-month-old son, and said she has reported the matter to the Lagos Police Gender Unit as well as the US and Canadian embassies.

The allegations remain allegations and have not been independently established in court. As of the latest reports reviewed, Martins had not publicly responded to his wife’s claims.

The wife of wedding photographer David Martins has publicly accused him of domestic violence, saying she endured years of physical, verbal and psychological mistreatment during their marriage. In a statement shared publicly, Alicia Daniella alleged that the situation included an incident on May 7, 2026, when she said Martins attacked her while she was holding their three-month-old son.

Daniella said she had stayed silent for approximately three years because she did not want to damage her husband's reputation. She now says that decision changed after she realised that remaining silent was not protecting either her or her child. She also alleged that Martins' public presentation as a loving, faith-driven husband differed significantly from what she says happened privately. She said she has photographs and video footage relating to her allegations and reported the matter to the Lagos Police Gender Unit, the US Embassy and the Canadian Embassy.

Her account has attracted particular attention because of the alleged presence of their infant during one of the incidents. In reporting on her statement, Naija Feminists Media said Daniella described sustaining a busted lip and an injury involving one of her teeth; those details are allegations attributed to her and have not been independently verified.

The story also carries an uncomfortable irony because Martins' professional identity is built around documenting love, intimacy and family celebrations. His official website describes him as an editorial wedding photographer based in Lagos and London, with his work centred on capturing “love stories,” connection and emotion for couples around the world.

That contrast is part of why the allegations have resonated so strongly online. Daniella is not simply accusing a private individual; she is challenging the difference between a carefully maintained public image and what she says happened inside her marriage. Her closing words made that distinction explicit: “This is not gossip to me. This is not entertainment. This is not social media drama. This is my life. This is my son's life. And this is our truth to tell.”

Martins' professional website says he is based between Lagos and London and photographs weddings internationally. His stated approach focuses heavily on authentic moments, emotional connection and telling couples' stories through imagery.

The allegations have also moved beyond the initial social-media discussion. Daniella says she has contacted the Lagos Police Gender Unit and the US and Canadian embassies, while publicly stating that she has photographic and video material relating to her claims. These are important assertions about reporting and evidence, but the existence or contents of any police or diplomatic investigation could not be independently confirmed from the sources reviewed.

The controversy has since prompted reactions from public figures, including former beauty queen and reality-TV personality Beauty Tukura, who criticised Martins and called for people to unfollow him. Her comments are reactions to Daniella's allegations, not independent confirmation of them.

Domestic-abuse allegations involving a public figure quickly become a debate about reputation, credibility and evidence. But the central issue should remain the allegations themselves, the safety of the people involved, and the proper channels for establishing what happened.

Daniella's decision to speak publicly also raises a broader question about how difficult it can be for someone to challenge a relationship that appears healthy and admired from the outside. In this case, the woman making the allegations says that protecting the public image of the marriage eventually became less important than protecting herself and her child.

What should matter most when serious domestic-abuse allegations are made publicly: the person's reputation, the evidence presented, or the formal investigation that follows?