Lagos State Magistrate Court sitting in Ikorodu, on Tuesday ordered the conduct of two Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) tests to determine the paternity of Liam Aloba, the only child of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Magistrate Adefisoye Sonuga issued the order while ruling on an application filed by the singer’s father, Mr. Joseph Aloba, who is seeking to conclusively establish whether the child is his late son’s biological offspring.
“The court hereby orders that two DNA tests be conducted one within Nigeria and another in a recognised and accredited hospital outside Nigeria.
“Both parties or their representatives shall be present when the samples are taken,” Sonuga ruled.
In court papers, Aloba stated that there remains uncertainty regarding the paternity of Liam and given the sensitivity of the matter, it is imperative that the paternity be conclusively settled.
He also noted that paternity is a live issue with regards to determining the respondent’s maintenance obligations and the child’s welfare and the DNA is therefore necessary to avoid further delays and prejudice.
Aloba, through his counsel, Augustine Adegbemi of Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) & Co., during Tuesday’s proceedings argued that the test was necessary to resolve lingering doubts and public speculation surrounding the child’s paternity.
“There remains uncertainty regarding the paternity of Master Liam Aloba.
“Given the sensitivity of the matter, it is imperative that this issue be conclusively settled to determine maintenance obligations and ensure the child’s welfare,” he said.
In the application brought pursuant to Order 8 Rules 1 & 8 of the Family Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) 2012, and Order 9 Rules 8 & 9 of the Magistrate Courts (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009, he listed Omowunmi Cynthia Aloba, the widow of the late singer, as the respondent.
With no objection from the respondent’s counsel, Magistrate Sonuga granted the order as prayed and adjourned further proceedings to November 11, 2025.
Mohbad, a rising star in Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene, died in September 2023 under controversial circumstances, sparking nationwide protests, calls for investigations, and multiple legal disputes involving his estate, royalties, and paternity claims.
His only child, Liam, was born in April 2023, just months before the singer’s untimely death.
The paternity controversy has generated public attention, with Mr. Aloba publicly demanding a DNA test to confirm his grandson’s identity, a request that initially faced resistance from the widow’s family.