Mohbad DNA Test Controversy: Lawyer Raises Concerns Over Post-Mortem Testing and Paternity Dispute

The controversy surrounding the late Nigerian singer has taken a new turn as legal representatives of his father raise serious concerns about the proposed DNA test to determine the paternity of his son. The case, which has drawn widespread public attention, highlights critical issues involving post-mortem DNA testing, scientific reliability, and misinformation.

Following the tragic death of Mohbad in 2023, multiple controversies emerged, including unresolved questions about the cause of his death and the paternity of his child. His father, , has pushed for a DNA test to confirm whether the child, Liam, is biologically related to the late singer.
This request has since sparked a legal and scientific debate over the most accurate and credible method for conducting the test.

According to the family’s lawyer, using DNA samples from relatives—such as grandparents or siblings—is not sufficient for a conclusive result. While such methods can indicate biological relationships, they are often probabilistic rather than definitive.
For this reason, the legal team insists that only a direct DNA test using Mohbad’s biological samples can provide the level of certainty required in court. This position aligns with global forensic standards, where direct parent-child DNA comparison remains the gold standard for paternity testing.

Despite its accuracy, post-mortem DNA testing presents several technical difficulties:
∆ Decomposition and Sample Degradation
Since Mohbad’s remains have already undergone autopsy, the quality of available biological material may be compromised. Decomposition can degrade DNA, making it difficult to obtain a complete genetic profile.
∆ Risk of Contamination
Handling post-mortem samples requires strict forensic protocols. Any contamination during extraction, storage, or transport can invalidate the results and raise legal challenges.
∆ Previous Autopsy Limitations
Earlier reports indicated that the autopsy conducted on Mohbad did not clearly determine the cause of death, partly due to the condition of the body.

Another major issue highlighted by the lawyer is the spread of misleading information. Various voice notes and online commentaries have circulated, claiming that relative-based DNA testing is sufficient.
However, these claims are disputed by the family’s legal team, who argue that such narratives:
Oversimplify complex forensic science
Risk misleading the public
Could undermine confidence in the legal process
Demand for International DNA Testing Standards
To ensure credibility and transparency, the family has requested that the DNA test be conducted in internationally accredited laboratories. Their concerns include:
Possible tampering with local samples
Lack of trust in testing conditions
Need for strict chain-of-custody procedures
A Lagos court has reportedly approved the use of foreign laboratories, reinforcing the importance of maintaining global forensic standards in such a high-profile case.

The ongoing dispute over Mohbad’s paternity test underscores the complex intersection of law, forensic science, and public scrutiny. As the case develops, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and adherence to international standards will be crucial in reaching a credible and widely accepted outcome.
For now, the situation remains a significant example of how sensitive legal matters can be shaped not only by evidence, but also by the quality of information shared with the public.