Lawyer Raises Concerns Over DNA Testing in Mohbad Paternity Case
The legal counsel representing Joseph Aloba, father of the deceased musician Mohbad, has expressed significant concerns regarding the DNA testing conducted to determine the paternity of Mohbad's son, Liam Aloba. Oladayo Ogungbe, the lawyer, highlighted potential inadequacies in the laboratories involved, stressing the complexities of post-mortem testing on an embalmed body.
Complexities of Post-Mortem DNA Testing
Ogungbe explained that because Mohbad is deceased and his body was embalmed, the DNA examination requires extraction from tissue samples, a procedure that demands specialized expertise. In a statement released recently, he noted that while the matter is still pending before a competent court, the circulation of misleading information has necessitated a clarification based strictly on court documents.
He recalled that on February 24, 2025, the court ordered DNA tests to be conducted in three laboratories agreed upon by the parties, with a Social Welfare Officer supervising sample collection and submission to ensure transparency and credibility.
Laboratory Selection Process Clarified
Clarifying the laboratory selection process, Ogungbe stated: "The laboratories were not unilaterally selected by Joseph Aloba. The record shows a tripartite selection involving both parties and the Court." The laboratories include:
- DNA Diagnostics Center, Fairfield, Ohio (USA), proposed by the Applicant.
- Alpha Bio Labs, Warrington, UK, proposed by the Respondent.
- Advanced Histopathology Laboratory Limited, London, UK, independently selected by the Court through the Welfare Officer.
Prior to sample collection, representatives of the Applicant confirmed whether the listed laboratories possessed the technical capacity to conduct post-mortem DNA testing from embalmed remains. Ogungbe noted that responses from Alpha Bio Labs and Advanced Histopathology Laboratory Limited indicated they do not perform such tests on embalmed bodies.
Commitment to Transparency and Due Process
Ogungbe added that the Applicant has filed an Affidavit of Facts to ensure transparency and uphold the scientific reliability of any DNA testing conducted. "It is therefore incorrect and misleading to suggest that Mr. Joseph Aloba deliberately chose laboratories lacking competence for tissue-based DNA testing," he said.
"The documentary record shows that only one laboratory was proposed by the Applicant, while the others were proposed by the Respondent and the Court respectively. Mr. Joseph Aloba remains committed to due process and to any DNA testing procedure that is transparent, scientifically credible, and conducted in strict compliance with court orders."
