A Lagos court has ruled that DNA testing will be conducted to determine the paternity of Liam, the son of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. The decision, which involves facilities both in Nigeria and abroad, follows months of heated debate between Mohbad’s family and his widow, Wunmi, over the child’s parentage. Samples are to be collected under strict supervision, with representatives of both parties present, and results are expected to be presented in April. The ruling is widely seen as an effort to ensure transparency and credibility in a case that has captivated public attention since Mohbad’s death.
The announcement immediately ignited widespread reactions across social media. Many Nigerians expressed relief that the judiciary had taken steps to resolve the controversy, while others criticized the prolonged dispute as unnecessary and damaging to the child’s future. On X (formerly Twitter), some users applauded the court’s decision, calling it “a step toward truth and closure.” Others argued that the process was being politicized, with one user writing: “This is no longer about Liam, it’s about power and control.”
Celebrities also weighed in. Singer Bella Shmurda, a close friend of Mohbad, urged the public to respect the family’s privacy, emphasizing that “Liam deserves peace, not headlines.” Actress Iyabo Ojo echoed similar sentiments, warning that the constant public scrutiny could harm the child emotionally. Stakeholders in the entertainment industry described the ruling as a test case for how family disputes involving public figures are handled in Nigeria. Legal analysts noted that the decision to involve international facilities reflects the court’s attempt to remove doubts about credibility and fairness.
International observers have followed the case closely, given Mohbad’s rising global profile before his death. For many, the dispute highlights broader issues of family rights, transparency in legal proceedings, and the intersection of celebrity culture with judicial processes. As the April deadline approaches, the outcome of the DNA tests is expected to shape not only the future of Liam but also public trust in Nigeria’s judicial system. For now, the case remains a focal point of national debate, blending legal procedure with emotional and cultural tensions.
