The Ikorodu High Court has ordered three independent DNA tests to finally determine the paternity of Liam, the son of late singer Mohbad, in a move aimed at ending months of family dispute and public controversy.
The fresh directive follows complications that stalled earlier DNA testing plans, prolonging a case that has divided the Aloba family and played out loudly on social media.
At the latest court sitting, Mohbad’s father, Mr Joseph Aloba, appeared alongside his lawyer, Barrister Oladayo Ogungbe, who explained why the initial DNA arrangement failed. According to him, although the court had earlier approved an independent DNA test, the welfare officer overseeing the process proposed a facility linked to Nigeria that could not carry out tissue-based DNA testing, which is required in this case.
“Even from their own communication, it was clear the facility could not do a tissue-based test,” Ogungbe told reporters. “All of this was properly reported to the court.”
To safeguard the credibility of the process, the court ruled that three foreign laboratories would now conduct the DNA tests. Each party will nominate one facility, while the court will select the third. All tests must be tissue-based.
The judge ruled that the results must align, making manipulation or foul play nearly impossible. “If one result contradicts another, it will be immediately obvious,” Ogungbe said. “The three results must show the same outcome. That is exactly what we have insisted on from the start.”
Ogungbe also confirmed that Mr Aloba will not bear the cost of the tests and that both parties will be present during sample collection to ensure transparency.
Mohbad’s father expressed satisfaction with the ruling. “I am pleased that we will have three places. It is okay by me,” he said briefly.
Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, died on 12 September 2023 under circumstances that sparked nationwide outrage. His body was exhumed on 21 September 2023 as part of ongoing investigations into his death.
Since then, the case has been clouded by disputes over DNA testing, inheritance, and justice for the late singer.
Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi, has consistently maintained that Liam is Mohbad’s biological son, describing repeated DNA demands as unnecessary delays. She has said her priority remains justice for her husband and the wellbeing of their child.
Mr Aloba, however, has insisted that a DNA test is crucial to clear doubts and resolve family disagreements, noting that the unresolved paternity issue has delayed Mohbad’s burial.
With the court now mandating three independent DNA tests, the long-running controversy may finally reach a definitive conclusion.
