By John Umeh
The lingering controversy surrounding the paternity of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad’s son, Liam, has taken a new turn as a Magistrate Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, has ordered that two separate DNA tests be conducted on the child.
Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Magistrate Adefisoye Sonuga directed that the tests be carried out both within Nigeria and abroad to ensure fairness, accuracy, and transparency in the results. The court’s decision came after an application filed by Mohbad’s father, Mr. Joseph Aloba, who has repeatedly demanded that the paternity of his grandson be verified.
The Application and Court’s Decision
The application was filed under the Family Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) 2012 and the Magistrate Courts (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009. In his filing, Mr. Aloba sought an order for samples to be taken from the remains of his late son, which are currently preserved at the Military Hospital in Yaba. He also requested that the DNA analysis be conducted at an accredited facility in Lagos and, additionally, at a foreign laboratory, with the costs of the overseas test to be borne by him.
Represented in court by Augustine Adegbemi from the chambers of Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) & Co., Mr. Aloba stressed that the test was necessary to resolve “uncertainties” surrounding Liam’s paternity. He argued that settling the matter would be crucial for issues relating to the child’s welfare, inheritance rights, and maintenance obligations.
On the other hand, Omowunmi Cynthia Aloba, the late singer’s wife and mother of Liam, was named as the respondent in the case. She was represented by lawyer Kabir Akingbolu. Interestingly, there was no opposition to the application during the hearing, a factor that may have contributed to the magistrate’s swift ruling in favor of Mr. Aloba’s request.
Magistrate Sonuga subsequently ordered that two DNA tests be conducted: one in a reputable Nigerian hospital and another in an internationally recognized medical facility outside the country. The court also mandated that representatives of both parties must be present at every stage of the sample collection and testing process to avoid disputes or allegations of manipulation. The case has been adjourned to November 11, 2025, for further hearing and review of the results.
Background to the Controversy
Mohbad, a 26-year-old fast-rising star in Nigeria’s music scene, tragically passed away on September 12, 2023, after suffering complications from an injection administered at his Lekki residence. He was buried a day later in Ikorodu, Lagos.
However, his death sparked outrage and suspicions, with fans, activists, and even fellow artists demanding a thorough investigation. In response, the Lagos State Government ordered his body exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy.
The initial autopsy, concluded in April 2024, could not ascertain the exact cause of death due to the advanced decomposition of Mohbad’s internal organs. Dissatisfied, the family requested a second autopsy, which was authorized by the Coroner in June 2024 for an independent review. Yet, the circumstances of his death remain unresolved.
Amid these ongoing legal and medical controversies, attention has increasingly shifted to Liam, Mohbad’s only son. The paternity question, which surfaced publicly months after the singer’s death, has polarized public opinion, drawing both sympathy and criticism toward the parties involved.
Implications of the Court-Ordered DNA Tests
The court’s ruling marks a major development in the Aloba family’s quest for clarity. Legal experts note that the DNA results, once released, could have significant implications for custody rights, inheritance claims, and the emotional well-being of the child.
While many Nigerians have expressed concerns about the toll of the public dispute on young Liam, others argue that a conclusive DNA result will finally put lingering doubts to rest. The magistrate’s insistence on dual testing—locally and abroad—appears to be an attempt to guarantee credibility and forestall further disputes, especially given the high-profile nature of the case.
Public reactions on social media remain divided. Some sympathize with Omowunmi, criticizing what they describe as harassment from her late husband’s family. Others, however, support Mr. Aloba’s persistence, insisting that clarity on the child’s paternity is a matter of justice and legacy.
What Lies Ahead
As Nigerians await the outcome of the tests, the case continues to spotlight deeper issues about family disputes, inheritance battles, and the challenges faced by widows in the country. For many observers, the unfolding events surrounding Mohbad’s death and its aftermath have become a tragic reminder of how unresolved conflicts can overshadow a promising legacy.
The court will reconvene on November 11, 2025, when updates on the DNA tests are expected. Until then, the uncertainty lingers, and the nation watches closely as yet another chapter unfolds in the story of the late singer whose sudden death shook Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
