Omowunmi Aloba, the widow of the late Nigerian rapper and singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has agreed to undergo a DNA test to determine the paternity of their son, Liam.
This development follows a legal suit filed by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, seeking confirmation of his grandson’s biological ties through a DNA test.
The court proceedings initially faced delays due to challenges in serving legal documents to Omowunmi, often called Wunmi. According to the legal team representing Mohbad’s father, led by Emmanuel Oroko, efforts to deliver court documents to Wunmi’s address were unsuccessful.
On July 9, 2024, the Magistrates Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, advised both sides to consider alternative dispute resolution to settle the matter outside the courtroom. Despite attempts at negotiation, the two parties failed to reach a consensus.
However, after further dialogue, a representative from the family’s legal team, Monisola Odumosu, confirmed that Wunmi had now agreed to the DNA test.
The decision came as part of a settlement agreement finalized between the family of the late singer and his widow.
This settlement was adopted by the court as the basis for proceeding, with both parties’ legal representatives present to confirm the agreement.
As per the settlement terms, the DNA test will be conducted in either a government or a private facility within Lagos State or another mutually approved medical institution outside the state.
Mohbad’s father, Mr. Joseph Aloba, has agreed to cover all costs associated with the test, including laboratory fees, sample collection charges, and any additional administrative expenses required to facilitate the process.
The court emphasized that the DNA test should take place at a well-established laboratory within Nigeria to ensure the credibility of the results.
Additionally, the court appointed officers to oversee the entire process, providing transparency and safeguarding the test’s integrity.
The family dispute comes amid lingering controversies surrounding Mohbad’s tragic death at the age of 27. Mohbad was a former artist under Marlian Music, a label owned by singer Naira Marley, from which he parted ways in February 2022.
Following his death on September 12, 2023, intense public interest led the Lagos State Police Command to form a special investigative team to probe the circumstances, given the suspicions raised by fans and family.
Further attention to the case came when Mohbad’s body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, to allow for an autopsy to clarify the cause of his death.
Authorities detained notable figures, including Naira Marley and Lagos socialite Balogun Eletu, widely known as Sam Larry, due to their possible involvement in events leading up to Mohbad’s passing.
