Mohbad DNA Controversy Father’s Lawyer Raises Concerns Over Post‑mortem Testing Process

Mohbad DNA controversy: Father’s lawyer raises concerns over post‑mortem testing process The legal counsel to Mr Joseph Aloba, father of the late Nigerian musician Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba), has voiced serious concerns about the integrity and execution of the DNA test ordered by the court to determine the paternity of Mohbad’s son, Liam. In a statement issued this week, Mr Oladayo Ogungbe, representing Mr Aloba, highlighted the technical challenges involved in post‑mortem DNA extraction from the late singer’s embalmed remains and questioned whether some of the laboratories selected are suitably equipped.

Ogungbe explained that because Mohbad is deceased and his body has been embalmed, standard DNA testing procedures cannot be relied upon. Instead, a specialised post‑mortem tissue sampling procedure is needed a process that demands specific technical expertise.The lawyer further noted that misleading information circulating in the public domain about the DNA test’s arrangements required clarification based strictly on official court documents. According to the court record, on 24 February 2025, a competent court ordered that DNA tests be conducted in three laboratories agreed upon by the parties, with a Social Welfare Officer supervising the collection and submission of samples to ensure transparency and credibility.

Ogungbe stressed that the laboratories were not unilaterally chosen by Mr Aloba as some critics have claimed but were selected jointly by the parties involved and the court. The list includes

• DNA Diagnostics Center, Fairfield, Ohio, USA proposed by the applicant (Mr Aloba),
• Alpha Bio Labs, Warrington, UK proposed by the respondent, and
• Advanced Histopathology Laboratory Limited, London, UK selected independently by the court through the Welfare Officer.

Before samples were taken, representatives of the applicant confirmed whether the listed laboratories possessed the technical capacity to perform post‑mortem DNA testing from embalmed remains. Responses received from two of the laboratories Alpha Bio Labs and Advanced Histopathology indicated they do not conduct DNA testing on embalmed bodies, raising questions about their suitability for the case.

Ogungbe added that an Affidavit of Facts has been filed in court to ensure transparency and uphold the scientific reliability of any DNA testing that might take place. He reiterated that it is incorrect and misleading to suggest Mr Aloba deliberately selected laboratories lacking the competence for tissue‑based DNA testing. “The documentary record shows that only one laboratory was proposed by the applicant, while the others were proposed by the respondent and the court respectively. Mr Joseph Aloba remains committed to due process and to any DNA testing procedure that is transparent, scientifically credible, and conducted in strict compliance with court orders.” he said.