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Report of more children failing DNA test ignites fresh arguments

Published

4 months ago

August 30, 2025

Since the recent report that one in every four children fail DeoxyRibonucleic Acid, DNA, test, made headlines, discussions around what most people refer to as paternity scam has been raging across the country.

The argument is also about how unfaithful most women have become in marriage- a development believed in some quarters to be sending many men to their early graves.

DNA, responsible for one’s paternity, is a molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses. It’s essentially the master blueprint for life.

However, this test which is one of the breakthroughs in molecular biology has caused a lot of heartaches to many families. This is because when the result is contrary to what the man expects, it is not only the men that are left shattered, the children involved are equally disoriented, especially when they are already adults.

According to the latest study by Smart DNA Nigeria, covering data from July 2024 to June 2025, 25 percent of paternity tests returned negative, showing only a slight drop from the 27 percent in 2024.

The study further revealed that firstborn children were the most likely to yield to exclusions, with firstborn sons topping the list at 64 percent. Smart DNA said the trend raises troubling questions about family structures, trust and social stability in urban Nigeria.

Alongside domestic disputes, the report revealed a surge in immigration-related DNA testing, which accounted for 13.1 percent of all tests during the period.

The spike, according to the research, is linked to Nigeria’s ongoing “Japa” movement, as more families pursue foreign citizenship and documentation for children relocating abroad.

The data also showed sharp gender and age divides in testing patterns. It was established that men initiated 88.2 percent of all tests and this is often driven by long-standing doubts, while women accounted for just 11.8 percent.

Nearly half of all tests were ordered by men aged 41 and above, reflecting the influence of financial stability on decision-making. Meanwhile, most tests involved children aged zero to five suggesting parents’ preference for resolving doubts early.

Geographically, Lagos remained the hub for DNA testing, accounting for 69 percent of all cases, though the balance shifted from the Mainland which stood at 59.4 percent toward the Island at 40.6 percent. Lekki led as the single top location at 20.3 percent.

In terms of ethnicity, Yoruba clients made up 53 percent of cases, Igbo 31.3 percent and Hausa just 1.2 percent, a distribution that points to cultural differences in attitudes toward paternity testing, according to the report.

The report also found that 83.7 percent of tests were carried out for peace of mind rather than legal purposes with court-mandated cases making up only 1.4 percent.

Most families tested only one child, reinforcing the view that suspicions are typically targeted rather than broad. Boys were tested more frequently than girls, reflecting traditional concerns over inheritance and lineage.

According to the Operations Manager, Smart DNA, Elizabeth Digia, the findings reflect more than just scientific data. “These statistics tell us something profound about trust, relationships and the legal and economic realities of Nigerian families today,” she noted, emphasising the need for sensitivity in handling the life-changing outcomes of DNA testing.

The report called for legal reform to address paternity fraud, greater integration of DNA testing into healthcare and public education to counter misconceptions about DNA services.

It emphasised that the findings reflect clients with existing paternity concerns and should not be generalised to the wider population.

Now, with the outcome of the research findings in the public domain, the arguments have taken various forms.

Some people believe that it is not necessary so long as nobody is contesting ownership of the child with the father.

Those on this side of the argument are insisting that except there is a man somewhere, who is claiming ownership of one’s children, DNA test is not necessary. Their argument is that such a test could only unearth a life-long secret and cause emotional and psychological trauma that could even lead to insanity or even death.

A vocal voice on this side is a clinical psychologist with a private hospital in Lagos, Dr Dipo Olawale.

“If you ask me, I would say that a man should not just subject his children to a DNA test just because he is suspicious of his wife’s fidelity in the marriage, except there is a man somewhere, who is contesting ownership of his children.

“This is because if the test turns out positive, meaning that the children belong to another man that you don’t even know, it will only cause you emotional and psychological trauma

“And if you are a temperamental person, you could even kill your wife out of anger and end up in jail. So, why not bury your suspicion and let peace reign so long as nobody is claiming ownership of your children; that’s my position on that,” he told DAILY POST.

However, there are those who argue that it is necessary to go for a DNA test once a man becomes suspicious of his wife’s fidelity, whether another man is contesting ownership of the children or not.

Those on this divide are also saying that such action is to prevent future heartbreak.

Chief Wole Adegbola is one of those who believe that once a man suspects his wife of engaging in extramarital affairs, he should call for a DNA test.

He said it is to forestall future heartbreak, which could be difficult to bear at that point.

He said: “It is advisable to call for a DNA test on your children, especially when they are still children, if you suspect that your wife has not been faithful.

“I say this because I have seen a man who found out from his wife that their 28-year-old son, who had graduated from the University, was not his biological son. This revelation came just because they had a misunderstanding and the woman got angry and in fit of that anger, she spilled the beans.

“What do you expect such a man to do? Where do you expect him to go from there? After training a child from nursery school to the university level, your wife is telling you that the child is not yours after all, how do you explain that?

“So, it is always very important to know early so that even if you decide to train such a child or children, it will be a deliberate personal decision.

“This is also very important because some women are devils who have come into some men’s lives to destroy them.

“Such women will let the cat out of the bag when you least expect it, whether anybody is laying claim to the children or not.

“So, to avoid the psychological and emotional torture that comes with such future revelations, it is advisable to go for a DNA test early in marriage, especially where there are sufficient grounds for suspicion.”

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PHOTOS & VIDEO: Fire razes part of Ogun free trade zone, Igbesa

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A fire outbreak has occurred at the mattress section of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The incident has reportedly caused chaos and fear among students living around the Obanla axis of the area.

In a video obtained by our correspondent, students were seen running out of their hostels as the thick smoke covered the sky.

An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, disclosed that there was a loud noise followed by smoke and fire.

Vincent said, “ It started around 8 am in the morning, we first saw smoke then fire coming from the company.

“The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bag because we don’t know what can happen next”.

He noted that the fire service were on ground to curtail the fire.

Reacting to the incident, President of the Student Union Government in OGITECH, Ilo Fadilu Temitope, in a statement signed by its secretary, Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, and made available to called for calm among students, urging them to be vigilant, and adhere strictly to safety measures.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information reaching us regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis.

“While relevant authorities are reportedly responding to the situation, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

“In view of this, students especially those residing around Obanla axis and its environs are hereby advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly observe the following safety measures: Avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected area or fire scene, stay indoors where it is safe to do so and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the environment, switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution.”

As of the time of filing this report, there has not been any official statement on the cause of the incident.

When contacted by our correspondent, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya said, “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”

Many houses affected as fire guts Ogun Free Trade Zone pic.twitter.com/pYIjbLwGhJ

— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) January 11, 2026

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Demolition notice: Ogun communities cry out, call for Gov Abiodun’s intervention

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

About 15 communities in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun over alleged plot to demolish their villages and acquire their land.

The communities include Itori Mogan, Laaki, Jaguna, Ogunu, Paashi, Kumapayi, and Abule Odo of Ijemoland among others.

According to the villagers, the community which is over 300 years was excised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration.

It was gathered that the state government, through the its Planning and Development Permit Authority, Abeokuta Metro Zonal Planning Office, served a demolition notice with service number 00047932 on the occupiers of Itori Mogan village on Friday, accusing them of contravening the Land Use Act of Ogun State for residing in Hillcrest Estate.

In the demolition notice dated January 9, 2026, the government gave the occupiers three days deadline to vacate the affected villages that fell within its acquisition.

Expressing their displeasure on Saturday, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, speaking on behalf of the villages marked for demolition, lamented that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.

He noted that the matter was in court and despite several meetings with the government, a demolition notice was pasted on their buildings.

He said, “We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.

“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.

“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet.”

Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.

He appealed to the state governor to intervene, expressing the belief that he may not be aware of the incident.

“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged land grabbers in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions,” Salako added.

The Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful.

“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.

“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land,” he said.

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Full List Of Countries Nigerians Travel To Without Visa

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.

The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.

Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.

Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.

The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.

Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.

Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.

Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.

Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.

Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations

Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:

Barbados

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire

Dominica

Fiji

Guinea