Shocking: Mohbad's Remains Still Unburied After Three Years Amidst Father's DNA Demand

Almost three years after the death of popular Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa "Mohbad" Aloba in September 2023, the contentious dispute over a DNA test to ascertain the paternity of his son, Liam, remains unresolved. PREMIUM TIMES initially reported that the demand for the DNA test commenced shortly after the singer's demise, highlighting the prolonged legal and emotional ordeal for all parties involved.

The quest for clarity initially led the Magistrate's Court in Ikorodu to approve three overseas laboratories to conduct the crucial DNA test, following an earlier order for the procedure. However, subsequent investigations revealed a significant setback: Alpha Bio Labs and Advanced Histopathology Laboratory Limited, the facilities nominated by Mohbad's widow, Wunmi, and the state government's welfare officer, had not carried out the ordered DNA test. This discovery deeply disappointed Mohbad's father, Joseph Aloba, who publicly expressed feelings of betrayal and appealed to the Lagos State Government to intervene and select a suitable and reliable hospital for the testing.

Speaking after a recent adjournment by Chief Magistrate Salamah Matepo of the Magistrate Court in Ikorodu to 11 August, Mr. Aloba adamantly reiterated his stance, declaring that the DNA test is "a must." He stressed that the importance of the test transcends mere paternity confirmation, asserting that it is integral to "tracing what killed Mohbad" and understanding the "unnatural" circumstances of his death. Mr. Aloba further revealed that his insistence on the DNA test was bolstered by discoveries made after Mohbad's exhumation, lamenting that the test should have been conducted before burial as the body serves as vital evidence. He tragically noted that the unresolved DNA matter is currently delaying his son's final burial.

Oladayo Ogungbe, counsel to the Aloba family, reinforced the family's perspective, explaining that confirming Liam's paternity through a DNA test would offer a measure of closure for them. He pointed out that the application for DNA has been a protracted affair, spanning years. Ogungbe also expressed strong reservations about Wunmi, Mohbad's widow, filing a separate action demanding a DNA test for her own son, describing it as "not something to be desired." The Aloba family counsel views this independent legal action as an "abuse of judicial process," particularly given the existing proceedings.

The legal complexities are compounded by ongoing court maneuvers. Mr. Ogungbe highlighted that upon discovering Wunmi's separate action, the Aloba family promptly filed a notice of plenary objection. He also mentioned an order granted on May 5, 2026, of which the family was unaware, prompting them to file a motion to set it aside to prevent "parallel proceeding on the same DNA matter," which he deemed "unheard of." Furthermore, he disclosed that Wunmi and other involved parties have requested the court to designate a DNA testing center whose identity would remain undisclosed to all parties, with the court itself taking the sample. The Aloba family has vehemently opposed this proposition, advocating for transparency in the process. As the matter faces further adjournments, the Aloba family remains committed to pursuing the DNA test, believing it is essential to unravel the truth surrounding Mohbad's untimely death and bring their protracted search for answers to an end.