Mohbad: Family raises concerns over labs’ capacity for DNA test

The family of late Afrobeats singer Mohbad has questioned the competence of some laboratories selected for a court-ordered DNA test to determine the paternity of Liam, his son. 

In a statement issued by Oladayo Ogungbe, the family’s counsel, on behalf of Joseph Aloba, the applicant concerns were raised over the ability of two of the three approved laboratories to conduct the required post-mortem analysis.

The lawyer disclosed that the court had, on February 24, 2026, directed that the DNA test be carried out in three jointly agreed laboratories to ensure transparency and credibility.

The facilities include DNA Diagnostics Centre, nominated by the applicant; Alpha Biolabs, nominated by the respondent; and advanced histopathology laboratory limited, selected by the court.

However, Ogungbe said preliminary findings cast doubt on the suitability of two of the labs.

“Prior to the commencement of sample collection, representatives of the applicant made inquiries to ascertain whether the listed laboratories possessed the technical capacity to conduct post-mortem DNA analysis involving tissue extraction from embalmed remains.

“The responses received from Alpha Biolabs and advanced histopathology laboratory limited indicated that they do not conduct post-mortem DNA testing involving embalmed bodies,” the statement read.

He noted that the development had been formally brought before the court.

The counsel also dismissed suggestions that his client deliberately selected unqualified laboratories, stressing that only one of the facilities was nominated by the applicant.

“It is incorrect and misleading to suggest that Joseph Aloba deliberately selected laboratories lacking the competence to conduct tissue-based DNA testing.

“He remains committed to due process and to a DNA testing procedure that is transparent, scientifically credible, and in strict compliance with the court’s directive,” the statement added.

A Lagos magistrate court sitting in Ikorodu, presided over by Adefisoye Sonuga, had earlier ordered the DNA test to determine the paternity of Liam, the only child of the late singer.

The application was filed by Joseph Aloba, who is seeking to confirm whether the child is biologically linked to his deceased son.

Mohbad died in September 2023 under controversial circumstances, brewed nationwide outrage and multiple legal disputes surrounding his estate and legacy.

Liam, his son was born in April 2023, months before his death, with the paternity issue continuing to draw significant public attention.