Court Approves Three International Labs for DNA Test on Mohbad's Son Liam
The Ikorodu High Court in Lagos State has officially sanctioned three specialized laboratories, two located in the United Kingdom and one in the United States, for conducting DNA tests to ascertain the paternity of Liam, the child left behind by the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. This judicial decision comes in response to ongoing disputes over Liam's parentage, which have been repeatedly raised by Joseph Aloba, the father of the deceased artist.
Dispute Over Paternity and Burial Conditions
Joseph Aloba has consistently contested Liam's paternity, asserting that the remains of Mohbad, who passed away on September 27, 2023, will not be laid to rest until a conclusive DNA test is performed to determine the child's biological father. This stance has fueled legal proceedings and public interest, highlighting the emotional and legal complexities surrounding the case.
Court Proceedings and Laboratory Selection
During a resumed hearing of the paternity case between Mr. Aloba and Wunmi, Mohbad's widow, legal representatives provided details to the press. Counsel for Mohbad's father explained, "The court has eventually picked three DNA Laboratory centers, two in the UK and one in the US. One from us, one from them, and the court picked an independent one." This selection process ensures a balanced and impartial approach, with each party involved in the choice of laboratories.
Upcoming Steps and Monitoring Arrangements
The matter has been adjourned to April 7, 2026, for a report on the collection of samples. Prior to this date, arrangements will be made with welfare officers to supervise and monitor the sample-taking process. All parties, including representatives from the Aloba family and legal teams, will be present during the sample collection to ensure transparency and integrity. The legal team emphasized that representatives will be stationed at each of the three centers to oversee the delivery of samples and the execution of the tests.
Implications and Broader Context
This case underscores the intersection of legal, familial, and public spheres in Nigeria, particularly in matters involving high-profile individuals. The use of international laboratories reflects the seriousness with which the court is treating the paternity dispute, aiming for accurate and undisputed results. As the process moves forward, it will likely continue to attract significant attention from media and the public, given Mohbad's legacy and the unresolved questions surrounding his family.
