Published: September 3, 2025 (Africa/Lagos)
Byline suggestion: [Your Name], Entertainment & Courts
The headline news (in one minute)
A Lagos Magistrate Court (Ikorodu Division) has ordered two DNA tests to determine the paternity of Liam Aloba, the two-year-old son of the late artist Ilerioluwa “Mohbad” Aloba.
Magistrate Adefisoye Sonuga granted the order on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, after an application by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba. There was no opposition from the respondent’s counsel.
Two tests were directed: one in Nigeria and another outside Nigeria, both at accredited hospitals. Both parties (or their reps) must be present when samples are taken. Next court date: November 11, 2025.
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What exactly did the court order?
1. Two DNA tests — one domestically and one abroad — at accredited facilities.
2. Presence requirement: “both parties or their representatives be present when the sample is taken.”
3. Sample source: The application asked the court to direct the Chief Medical Officer/Chief Pathologist at Military Hospital, Yaba (where Mohbad’s remains are kept) to extract a suitable sample (e.g., tissue or hair) for testing. The court granted the relief as prayed.
4. Return date: Adjourned to November 11, 2025 for further proceedings.
Why two tests? Dual testing (local + foreign) is a common way to eliminate disputes about lab integrity and chain of custody in high-profile cases. Channels TV explicitly notes the dual-test directive and presence requirement.
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Who are the parties?
Applicant: Joseph Aloba (Mohbad’s father), represented by Augustine Adegbemi (Wahab Shittu SAN & Co.).
Respondent: Omowunmi “Wunmi” Cynthia Aloba (Mohbad’s widow), represented by Kabir Akingbolu.
No opposition was recorded from the respondent’s side when the application was moved.
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Key legal footing (plain English)
The application cited rules of the Family Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) 2012 and Magistrate Courts (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009—i.e., the court has jurisdiction to make directions affecting a child’s paternity and evidence-gathering.
Best interest of the child & clarity on maintenance: The applicant argued paternity is a “live issue” affecting the child’s welfare and the respondent’s maintenance obligations; hence the need to conclusively settle paternity. The court agreed.
Chain of custody: Directing extraction from Military Hospital, Yaba and requiring presence of both sides helps reduce later challenges about contamination, fraud, or improper handling.
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Why this matters
Closes a public controversy: Paternity questions around Liam have fueled online disputes since Mohbad’s death in September 2023. A court-supervised, dual-lab approach aims for finality and public confidence.
Determines legal rights/obligations: A definitive result will shape inheritance, guardianship, custody/visitation, and maintenance issues going forward. (This is standard in Nigerian family law practice.)
Investigative background: The remains being preserved at Military Hospital, Yaba dates back to the wider investigations following Mohbad’s death and exhumation, which drew nationwide attention.
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Timeline (quick reference)
Sept 12, 2023: Mohbad dies in Lagos, aged 27. Protests and investigations follow; body later exhumed for autopsy.
2023–2024: Public scrutiny, multiple police updates, and legal wrangling keep the case in the spotlight.
Sept 2, 2025: Ikorodu Magistrate Court orders dual DNA tests on Liam. Presence requirement + Military Hospital Yaba sample route noted. Adjourned to Nov 11, 2025.
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What happens next?
1. Logistics & collection: Parties (or reps) attend the sample collection from Liam and from Mohbad’s preserved remains (per the granted application).
2. Testing in two labs: One Nigerian lab + one foreign lab, both accredited. Expect chain-of-custody documentation and matching profiles.
3. Court resumes Nov 11, 2025: Results are typically tendered under expert evidence (lab reports/affidavits). The court may then make consequential orders on paternity and any interim arrangements.
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Reporting angles you can use (editorial notes)
Human-interest: How dual testing aims to protect Liam’s best interests amid online noise.
Legal explainer: Why courts sometimes require international confirmation in sensitive paternity matters.
Music industry context: The ruling as a new chapter in the long tail of the #JusticeForMohbad movement.
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Pull-quotes you can safely use
“Two (2) DNA tests be conducted in an accredited and recognized hospital, both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria.” (Order summary reported by Channels TV.)
“Both parties or their representatives be present when the sample is taken.”
(Keep quotes short to respect fair-use limits.)
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FAQ (for readers)
Q: Why extract from Mohbad’s remains?
A: To obtain an authentic paternal DNA reference (tissue/hair) now preserved at Military Hospital, Yaba—crucial when the alleged father is deceased.
Q: Can one party refuse?
A: The court order is binding. Non-compliance can attract adverse inferences or further orders, though each case turns on its facts.
Q: When will the public know the result?
A: Results typically first go to the court; any public disclosure depends on court directions and privacy considerations.
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