Lagos Court Approves International DNA Testing for Late Singer Mohbad’s Son
The Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Ikorodu has formally approved the use of three international laboratories—one in the United States and two in the United Kingdom—to conduct DNA paternity testing for Liam, the son of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. This significant legal development aims to resolve the ongoing disputes regarding the child's paternity, which have been a point of intense public and familial debate following the singer's tragic passing in September 2023. The court's decision represents a pivotal moment in a case that has remained in the spotlight of West African media. According to Oladayo Ogungbe, counsel for the singer’s father, Joseph Aloba, the selection of the laboratories was a collaborative but controlled process. Both the late singer's widow, Wunmi, and his father, Joseph, were permitted to nominate one laboratory each, while the court appointed a third independent facility to ensure the integrity and impartiality of the results. This multi-lab approach is intended to provide a definitive answer and mitigate any concerns of tampering or bias. The involvement of international facilities reflects the high stakes and the need for indisputable forensic evidence in this high-profile matter. The court has adjourned the matter until April 7, 2026, which is the scheduled date for the official collection of biological samples. To maintain strict legal standards and child welfare protocols, the entire collection process will be conducted under the direct supervision of court-appointed welfare officers. This timeline highlights the deliberate pace of the legal proceedings as the family seeks closure amidst the complex circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death. The supervision by welfare officers ensures that the rights and well-being of the minor, Liam, are prioritized throughout the forensic process. The demand for a DNA test was initiated by Joseph Aloba, who expressed concerns about the child's paternity shortly after the singer’s untimely death. While the paternity issue is a civil matter, it remains deeply intertwined with the broader public interest regarding the 'Kpeace' crooner’s legacy. The resolution of this paternity dispute is seen as a critical step in settling the singer's estate and providing clarity for the young Liam as the legal system continues to navigate the aftermath of one of Nigeria's most discussed entertainment tragedies. This ruling marks a formal path forward for all parties involved in the singer's surviving family.
