DNA samples have been collected from the remains of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, and his young son, Liam, marking a crucial step in resolving a protracted paternity dispute. The court-monitored exercise took place on Saturday, October 31, in Lagos State, following a formal request by the late artist's widow, Omowunmi Aloba, to conclusively establish the child's biological lineage.
Following the court's approval of the application, an official welfare officer was appointed to supervise the procedure. Specimen collection began at the Mainland General Hospital, historically referred to as the Infectious Diseases Hospital situated in Yaba, Lagos, where genetic material was retrieved from the singer's remains. Armed security personnel subsequently escorted the samples to the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, where matching genetic samples were simultaneously obtained from Master Liam.
What were the surrounding circumstances of the collection?
The sensitive operation unfolded under intense security measures to forestall potential security breaches, given public tensions ignited by repeated appeals from the late artist's father for backing from online supporters. Key family members, including Mohbad's mother Abosede, his younger brother Adura, and his widow Omowunmi, were actively present during the judicial proceedings, which grew visibly emotional during the official identification of the musician's body.
What is the background of the paternity controversy?
This genetic testing brings a legal focus to a debate that began shortly after Mohbad's sudden death on September 12, 2023. Joseph Aloba, the late singer's father, has continuously cast doubt on whether Liam is his biological grandson, prompting persistent public demands for scientific verification to settle the matter once and for all.