Court-supervised DNA samples of Mohbad, Liam, collected

The prolonged paternity dispute surrounding Liam, the son of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, reached a significant stage on Saturday, October 31 as DNA samples were collected from both the child and the remains of the late singer under court supervision.

The exercise followed an application filed by the late singer’s wife, Omowunmi Aloba, seeking a court-supervised DNA test to establish Liam’s paternity. The court granted her application, paving the way for the sample collection exercise.

The development comes amid prolonged legal proceedings surrounding the paternity question, which was initially brought public attention by the late singer’s father, Joseph Aloba, who has consistently questioned Liam’s paternity and sought a DNA test, but proceedings relating to his request have experienced delays.

Following the court’s approval of the wife’s application, a welfare officer was appointed to supervise the process, while October 31, 2026, was fixed for the collection of the required samples.

The exercise was conducted under strict court supervision and with a heavy security presence to forestall any breakdown of law and order. Security arrangements were heightened amid concerns over possible public disturbances, following calls by the late singer’s father to his online supporters for support, as well as suggestions by some individuals on social media that protests should be staged at the venue.

Beyond the legal and scientific significance of the exercise, the day was marked by an emotional moment for the late singer’s mother, Abosede; his younger brother, Adura; and his wife, Omowunmi, who were present during the proceedings. The moment was particularly emotional during the identification of Mohbad’s body, which formed part of the process.

Samples were collected from the remains of Mohbad at Mainland General Hospital, popularly known as the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yaba.

Following the collection, the samples were escorted under tight security from the hospital to the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, where Master Liam’s samples were also collected for further processing and forensic examination.

Speaking after the exercise, the lawyer representing the late singer’s wife, Barrister Kabiru, said the date for the release of the DNA results was not yet known. He explained that the parties would be notified through the court once the results became available.

Barrister Kabiru also expressed appreciation to the court and the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism and show of expertise in ensuring that the exercise was conducted successfully under strict supervision and adequate security.

The DNA exercise marks a significant development in a paternity dispute that has attracted considerable public attention and generated widespread discussions across social media since Mohbad’s death in September 2023.

The forensic examination and the eventual outcome of the DNA result is expected to provide scientific evidence to assist the court in resolving the paternity question.