Paternity fraud: Expert calls for mandatory DNA testing after birth

Dr. Ademolu Owoyele

                          Expert Advocates Mandatory DNA Paternity Testing for Birth Registration in Nigeria

The Managing Director of DNA-Harley and Rainbow Specialised Laboratory, Dr. Ademolu Owoyele, has proposed that DNA paternity tests be made a mandatory requirement for birth registration in Nigeria.

During an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday in Lagos, Owoyele highlighted the rising demand for paternity testing, revealing that 47% of Nigerian men tested in his laboratory discovered they were not the biological fathers of the children they had presumed to be theirs.

Rising Demand and Reasons for Paternity Testing

Owoyele explained that most men who seek paternity tests already have suspicions, which introduces a degree of statistical bias in the results.

“People come to us due to uncertainties in their family lives—whether for emotional reasons, child support issues, or simply to confirm biological ties,” he stated.

How DNA Paternity Testing Works

Providing insights into the process, Owoyele explained that DNA paternity tests are commonly conducted using a buccal (cheek) swab collected from both the father and the child.

“These swabs painlessly collect cells from the inside of the mouth, which are then sent to the lab for DNA extraction and comparison. Blood samples can also be used, and in rare cases, hair or nail clippings may be analyzed,” he said.

He noted that advancements in DNA testing technology have significantly reduced wait times.

“Gone are the days when DNA paternity test results took over four weeks because they were sent abroad. Today, our clients receive their results within seven working days or even sooner,” Owoyele added.

Firstborn Paternity Disputes and Cultural Perspectives

According to Owoyele, a significant percentage of firstborn children may not pass a DNA paternity test if widespread research were conducted.

“Many individuals engage in multiple relationships, even close to their wedding day. This increases the chances that the presumed father may not be the biological father,” he explained.

Challenging the traditional Yoruba belief that “only a woman knows the true father of her child,” Owoyele argued that this is often not the case.

“We have encountered numerous cases where even the mother is uncertain. Some women have had to test three different men to identify the biological father,” he disclosed.

Should the Mother Be Tested?

While not mandatory, Owoyele recommended that mothers also participate in the DNA testing process. He emphasized that the inclusion of the mother’s DNA improves the accuracy of results, though the test remains effective with just the father and child.

Understanding DNA Paternity Testing

A DNA paternity test is a scientific procedure used to determine if an individual is the biological father or mother of a child. With growing concerns over paternity disputes, Owoyele believes that implementing mandatory DNA testing at birth could help prevent legal and emotional conflicts in families.