-as paternity fraud persists
As part of measures to curb paternity fraud, a leading specialised and molecular laboratory, DNA-Harley and Rainbow Specialised Laboratories, Lagos, has called for the introduction of mandatory DNA paternity tests as part of the birth registration process in Nigeria.
This recommendation follows a shocking revelation that six out of 10 Nigerian men who undergo paternity tests are not the biological fathers of their supposed children.
The revelation was according to the 2024 statistics of results of all DNA paternity tests from DNA-Harley and Rainbow Specialised Laboratories.
The debate surrounding paternity testing has gained attention in light of recent high-profile cases, including the controversial child paternity test saga involving the late Nigerian musician, MohBad.
The case has sparked public discussions about the integrity of paternal claims and the emotional and legal challenges that can arise when fatherhood is uncertain.
A DNA paternity test is a scientific procedure used to determine whether an individual is the biological father or mother of a child.
By comparing genetic material from the potential father and the child, the test can accurately establish biological parentage up to 99.99 per cent accuracy, when performed appropriately and in an accredited facility.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DNA-Harley and Rainbow Specialised Laboratories, Ademolu Owoyele, said the test offered over 99.9 per cent accuracy when carried out correctly.
Asked what are the common reasons people come for DNA paternity tests in his laboratory, Owoyele said many people seek paternity tests for various reasons, such as doubts about a child’s biological father, inheritance concerns, or disputes arising from divorce or infidelity.
