The Ikorodu High Court in Lagos has approved DNA testing at three international laboratories to resolve the ongoing dispute over the paternity of Liam, the child left behind by the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Two of the laboratories are located in the United Kingdom, while the third is in the United States.
The court’s decision comes after months of contention between Mohbad’s family and his widow, Wunmi, over the legal recognition of Liam.
Joseph Aloba, the father of the late singer, has consistently raised questions about the child’s parentage.
He has publicly stated that Mohbad’s remains, who passed away on September 27, 2023, should not be buried until a DNA test confirms Liam’s biological relationship to his son.
The demand has intensified public interest in the case, with fans and media closely following every development.
At the resumed hearing of the paternity case, Mohbad’s father’s counsel addressed journalists, providing details of the court’s decision.
He explained, “The court has eventually selected three DNA laboratory centres, two in the UK and one in the US.
“One will be chosen by us, one by the other party, and the court has appointed an independent laboratory to ensure fairness and transparency.
“The case has been adjourned to April 7, at which point we will report on the sampling process.”
The lawyer added that arrangements are being made in consultation with welfare officers to ensure that the DNA samples are collected properly and under full supervision.
“All parties will be present when the samples are taken,” he said, “and we will ensure the process is monitored every step of the way.
Representatives from the Aloba family and our legal team will be at each laboratory where the samples are delivered and tested to maintain transparency.”
Mohbad’s death had already caused widespread grief across Nigeria and beyond, given his influence in the music industry and the popularity of his songs.
The dispute over Liam’s paternity has added another layer of tension, highlighting the challenges families face in resolving personal issues after the death of a public figure.
Experts in family law note that international DNA testing, while costly, often provides conclusive results and can prevent prolonged legal battles.
The selection of laboratories in the UK and the US is intended to provide impartiality, avoiding any perception of bias.
Legal experts suggest that involving an independent laboratory chosen by the court strengthens the credibility of the results.
“By having one laboratory for each party and an independent one selected by the court, the likelihood of disputes over the results is significantly reduced,” said one family law practitioner.
Observers say the outcome of this case will not only determine Liam’s legal status but also impact decisions related to inheritance and guardianship.
Until the DNA results are officially released, Joseph Aloba has maintained that Mohbad’s burial cannot proceed, insisting that the child’s paternity must be resolved first.
This position has sparked discussions on social media, with fans and followers expressing mixed reactions to the ongoing legal drama.
Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi, has maintained her stance that Liam is her late husband’s child.
Her legal team has welcomed the court’s decision to conduct international DNA testing, seeing it as a transparent process that can conclusively settle the matter.
Both parties are now preparing for the next phase, which involves sample collection under the supervision of welfare officers and legal representatives.
The upcoming April 7 hearing will be critical, as it will involve reporting on the sampling process and laying out further steps for conducting the tests.
Lawyers say that once the DNA results are obtained, the court will have the necessary evidence to make a final determination regarding Liam’s paternity.
Mohbad’s influence on the Nigerian music industry remains undeniable, and his untimely death has left many fans mourning.
As the legal process unfolds, attention is now focused on ensuring that the DNA testing is conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the court’s directives.
The results are expected to provide closure for both the Aloba family and Wunmi, allowing them to move forward with certainty regarding Liam’s status and rights.
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