At the Ikorodu High Court, a fresh order was issued for three independent DNA tests to determine the paternity of Mohbad’s son, Liam.
The decision comes after earlier complications surrounding the DNA testing process, which had delayed the resolution of a long-running family dispute.
Mohbad’s father, Mr Joseph Aloba, and his lawyer, Barrister Oladayo Ogungbe, appeared at the court for the proceedings. According to Barrister Ogungbe, the court initially approved a DNA test to be conducted independently, but the welfare officer assigned to supervise the process had suggested a facility that appeared to be based in Nigeria and could not 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,” he said.
The lawyer explained that, in fairness to the welfare officer, they suggested alternative facilities capable of carrying out the test correctly.
The court agreed that the best way to protect the integrity of the process was to select three facilities abroad. Each side will propose one facility, and the court will source the third. All tests will be tissue-based, ensuring that if one result contradicts another, any foul play would be easily identified. “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,” Barrister Ogungbe said.
He added that Mohbad’s father would not bear the cost of the tests and that both sides would be present during sample collection to ensure transparency. “Everybody is going to be present where the sample will be taken. The process must be transparent,” he said. Mohbad’s father said he was satisfied with the arrangement. “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 12 September 2023.
His body was exhumed on 21 September 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.
The singer’s widow, Wunmi, has repeatedly stated that Liam is Mohbad’s biological son. She has expressed frustration over what she sees as unnecessary delays caused by the family’s insistence on DNA testing.
In earlier statements, she emphasised that her focus is on ensuring justice for Mohbad and the welfare of their child. Meanwhile, Mohbad’s father has maintained that a DNA test is essential to resolve lingering doubts and prevent further disputes.
The family had been in court repeatedly over the DNA question, which Mohbad’s father has cited as the main reason delaying his burial.
The new court order requiring three independent tests is expected to provide conclusive results. Barrister Ogungbe said the goal is to ensure the process is foolproof. “Once one contradicts itself, we will know clearly if there is foul play. The three results must show the same outcome,” he concluded.