The Ikorodu High Court in Lagos State has taken a significant step in the ongoing paternity dispute involving the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
The court has ruled that three independent DNA tests must be conducted abroad to conclusively determine the biological parentage of Liam, the son left behind by the late artiste.
The paternity of Liam has been a matter of contention for several months, with Joseph Aloba, the father of Mohbad, questioning whether the child is truly his grandson.
Mr Aloba has publicly stated that the remains of his late son, who passed away on September 27, 2023, will not be interred until a definitive DNA test confirms Liam’s parentage.
This development has intensified public attention on the legal proceedings and the fate of the singer’s burial arrangements.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, February 3, counsel to Mr Aloba, Barrister Oladayo Ogungbe, informed the court of the latest directives.
He revealed that the presiding judge has mandated that three separate DNA tests be carried out in laboratories abroad to ensure transparency and credibility.
“The court has emphasized that the tests must be independent and conducted in recognized facilities outside Nigeria,” Ogungbe said.
Under the court’s ruling, both parties are required to propose suitable DNA testing centres abroad.
Mr Aloba’s legal team is to submit three recommended facilities, while the widow of Mohbad, Wunmi, will also present three laboratories for consideration.
From these six proposals, the court will select one from each side’s submission and then designate a third facility independently. In total, three DNA tests are expected to be conducted.
Barrister Ogungbe explained that the court specifically instructed that all selected laboratories must be capable of performing tissue-based DNA analysis.
“This requirement ensures that the results will be scientifically reliable and leave no room for dispute,” he added.
The use of tissue-based testing, according to Ogungbe, is particularly crucial given the sensitive nature of the case and the need for legally binding evidence.
The case has attracted significant public and media interest, as Mohbad was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated young artistes at the time of his death.
His sudden passing shocked fans nationwide and sparked discussions about his legacy, family affairs, and the responsibilities of his surviving relatives.
The ongoing paternity dispute over Liam has further added to the complexity of the situation, as both sides seek to assert their claims regarding the child.
Legal experts have noted that it is not unusual for high-profile cases like this to involve multiple DNA tests, particularly when questions of inheritance, guardianship, and burial rights are at stake.
“The court is taking extra precautions to ensure the outcome is beyond reproach,” said a Lagos-based family law practitioner who requested anonymity.
“Given Mohbad’s public profile and the sensitive nature of the paternity claim, conducting tests abroad adds an additional layer of credibility to the findings.”
The hearing also highlighted the emotional dimensions of the dispute. Sources close to the family say that Mr Aloba is determined to verify Liam’s parentage before agreeing to any funeral arrangements for Mohbad.
Meanwhile, Wunmi, the singer’s widow, has maintained that Liam is indeed the biological child of the late artiste.
The court’s decision to involve international laboratories aims to provide an impartial resolution acceptable to both parties.
The matter has now been adjourned to February 10 for further proceedings. Observers expect that the next hearing will focus on finalizing the selection of the three laboratories and outlining the procedural steps for collecting DNA samples from the relevant individuals.
Once the tests are conducted, the results are likely to play a decisive role in resolving the paternity dispute.
Public reactions to the case have been mixed. Fans of Mohbad have expressed sympathy for both the singer’s father and widow, urging a swift resolution to the legal wrangling.
Social media discussions frequently emphasize the importance of honoring the late singer while ensuring that Liam’s future is protected.
Many supporters have highlighted the significance of transparency and fairness, praising the court for ordering multiple independent tests.
Analysts note that this ruling could set a precedent for similar paternity disputes in Nigeria, particularly those involving high-profile individuals or complex family dynamics.
The emphasis on tissue-based DNA testing abroad demonstrates the court’s commitment to leveraging scientific methods to settle legal questions definitively.
As the February 10 adjourned date approaches, attention remains focused on the outcome of the DNA tests.
The results will determine not only Liam’s legal status as Mohbad’s son but also influence decisions regarding inheritance, guardianship, and the singer’s posthumous legacy.
Legal observers emphasize that while the case is highly personal, its resolution will be of broader interest given Mohbad’s prominence in Nigerian music and culture.
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