An Ikorodu High Court has ordered that three independent, tissue-based DNA tests be conducted abroad to determine the paternity of Liam, the son of late singer Mohbad.
Gatekeepers News reports that the fresh directive was issued following complications that stalled earlier efforts to conduct the test, prolonging a family dispute that has drawn widespread public attention.
Mohbad’s father, Mr Joseph Aloba, appeared in court alongside his lawyer, Barrister Oladayo Ogungbe, who explained that the court had initially approved an independent DNA test. However, the welfare officer assigned to oversee the process proposed a facility that appeared to be based in Nigeria and was unable to conduct tissue-based testing.
“Even the other end clearly suggested that the facility cannot do a tissue-based test. We were considering a third party, and all of this was reported to the court,” Ogungbe said.
He added that, in fairness to the welfare officer, alternative facilities capable of carrying out the test correctly were later suggested.
The court subsequently ruled that, to protect the integrity of the process, three foreign laboratories should be selected. Each party will nominate one facility, while the court will choose the third.
All the tests will be tissue-based. According to Ogungbe, this approach will make it easier to detect any irregularities if the results do not align.
“The three results must show the same outcome. This is exactly what we have been pushing for from day one. It shows that we have nothing to hide,” he said.
Ogungbe further disclosed that Mohbad’s father will not bear the cost of the tests and that both parties will be present during the sample collection.
“Everybody is going to be present where the sample will be taken. The process must be transparent,” he added.
Mr Aloba said he was satisfied with the court’s decision.
“I don’t have anything to say. I am pleased that we will have three places. It is okay by me,” he said.
Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, died on September 12, 2023, and his body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, as part of investigations into his sudden death.
Since then, the case has been marked by public disputes and social media debates over DNA testing, property, and justice for the late singer.
Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi, has consistently maintained that Liam is his biological son and has expressed frustration over what she describes as unnecessary delays caused by the family’s insistence on DNA testing.
In previous statements, she said her priority remains justice for Mohbad and the welfare of their child. Meanwhile, Mr Aloba has insisted that a DNA test is necessary to resolve doubts and prevent further disputes, adding that the unresolved issue has delayed his son’s burial.
The new order for three independent tests is expected to provide a conclusive outcome.
“Once one contradicts itself, we will know clearly if there is foul play. The three results must show the same outcome,” Ogungbe said.
