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Shocking!: 30% of men not biological father of children
According to a forensic geneticist, Dr. Abiodun Salami, 30 per cent of fathers are unknowingly nurturing and investing in children who are not biologically theirs.
Salami, who is also the Chief Medical Director, DNA Centre, Lagos, revealed that 50 per cent of the all paternity tests carried out in his laboratory came out negative and mostly affected were first born children. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
He said, “Several surveys have shown that approximately three men in 10 are living under the deception that they are the fathers of another man’s children and with advances in genetic testing, they are more likely than ever to find out the shocking truth. Half of the paternity disputes and tests we carried out in two years showed that the fathers were not biologically related to their children especially when the dispute arose on paternity of first born children.
“We have seen cases of paternity disputes where even the two men claiming paternity to a child are excluded as the biological fathers from test results leaving the mother to look elsewhere for the child’s biological father. I have witnessed shocking cases where men discover that three or four children out of five they had were not fathered by them.”
Salami attributed the increase in paternity disputes and deceptions to infidelity, adultery and increase in sexual recklessness among Nigerian couples.
“This percentage is increasing because of sexual recklessness. Recent trends in sexual health especially in Nigeria suggest that unprotected sex and multiple partners’ relationships are a common occurrence. Another issue is poor family planning among women. Most first born pregnancies are still unplanned.
“I have seen and discussed with women who for one reason or other decide in their own wisdom to give another man’s child to their husbands without the husband’s knowledge.
“As a geneticist, I deal on a daily basis with the fall-out of adultery and other manifestations of selfish behaviour of spouses to their partners. Reproductive deception is morally similar to rape,” he said.
Naturally, when a case of paternity dispute arises in a family, relatives, husbands are quick to accuse the woman. It is assumed that a mother should be able to accurately disclose who the biological father of her child is.
However, Salami noted that only a DNA test could be used to confirm who fathered a child.
According to him, more babies are increasingly being switched without their mothers’ knowledge by nurses, birth attendants and health workers in hospitals.
He noted that baby switches were happening at a disturbing rate in Nigerian hospitals and the geneticist attributed these mix-ups to avoidable errors or malfeasance.
Salami condemned the use of corresponding ID bracelets between mothers and their babies, the most prevalent method in Nigerian hospitals ,which he said, often lead to mix-ups since such bracelets could fall off babies’ ankles or wrists and lead to nurses misreading infants to mothers’ bracelet information.
Apart from the ID mix-ups, he said bed mix-ups by health workers often happen especially in general wards especially after babies have been removed for bathing or treatment.
Salami, sharing an experience said, “I witnessed a case where a friend gave birth to a child and I went to visit, only for the father who was present at the delivery of the baby to come back to the hospital in the evening to say, to the surprise of everyone present that the baby the hospital presented was not his baby because his baby was born with dreadlocks just like him.
“He had to escort the doctors to identify his baby inside one of the cribs. This happened right inside one of the biggest and well known hospitals in Ikeja, Lagos.
“In the light of some of these shortcomings, we encourage maternal DNA testing because if we exclude her, we have established a case of infidelity against her, whereas her baby was switched at the hospital.”
He also urged mothers who doubt or suspect that their babies have been switched to voice their concerns as such cases could be investigated and documented for future references.
“Many people get home and look at a child and wonder if they brought home the right baby. In some reported cases, mothers have voiced their concerns while at the hospital, but did not get the chance to find out the truth until years later through DNA tests.
“To an ordinary person, this may look rare or even sound strange as most cases of babies switched at birth are either undocumented or unknown,” Salami added.
However, as beneficial as paternity DNA testing is, the importance of the DNA testing is still unpopular and often times regarded as irrelevant in Nigeria.
Salami said that most Nigerians often use physical resemblance to fathers as a test of paternity.
“Unfortunately, Nigerians still use physical attributes to determine the paternity of a child. We have seen numerous cases where a child resembles a father, but accurate DNA test results show that such child and father are not related.
“Determination of paternity using physical attributes has led to a situation where illegitimate children have caused untold hardships to families,” he explained.
Shedding more light on the importance of the test as a means of identification, a haematologist with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, who pleaded an anonymity because he is not the hospital’s official spokesperson, called on government to provide DNA testing and banking (storing) facilities.
He said with these facilities, families could still make DNA verification after parties involved are dead.
Olowoshelu said a sample of the deceased tissues that had been stored could be used and if no biological samples from the alleged father are available, grand parentage testing could be a viable option.
“ If one or both paternal grandparents are unavailable for testing, other family relationship tests–such as genetic reconstructions and siblings’ tests, using the deceased brothers or sisters may be performed to indirectly determine a child’s paternity,” he said.
Earlier, Salami stated that poor DNA profiling and documentation due to lack of facilities and personnel had made this procedure a luxury to many Nigerians. He noted that such stored samples could help solve legal and financial disputes.
“Nigerians must take DNA testing and profiling and banking seriously. There are different reasons to establish paternity including the need to lay claims to a financial support.
“Government must provide DNA testing facilities such that we can have reference DNA for individuals should their remains need to be identified especially for those in high-risk employment such as the military, police, pilots, air hostesses and even those that fly the Nigerian airspace on regular basis.
“We can bank their DNA as a reference in cases of future paternity tests should some parties contest or make claims on inheritances that are not theirs,” he said.
Source: Punch
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President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s Legacies
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described late Prince Abubakar Audu as a “friend, ally, and trailblazer of democracy declaring that his foot-print in Kogi state as former Governor remains the best since the creation of the state.
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The President gave the commendation while speaking at the 10th Memorial Anniversary and Book Presentation organised by the state government in collaboration with the immediate family in honour of the late political ICON
Tinubu who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, lauded late Prince Audu’s commitment to democratic ideals and the development of Kogi State.
President Tinubu noted that Prince Audu’s leadership was marked by courage, vision, and dedication to the prosperity and security of his people, calling his legacy “a living template for good governance” that continues to inspire leaders across the nation.
The event drew political leaders, statesmen, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the representation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to commemorate a decade since the passing of the iconic leader whose vision and leadership continue to influence the political and developmental trajectory of Kogi State.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, son of the late statesman, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing his father’s legacy.
He described the memorial as a solemn reminder of the enduring influence Prince Audu holds in the hearts of the people and the continued relevance of his contributions to the growth of Kogi State.
The Minister recalled his father’s visionary leadership, foundational reforms, and passion for public service, noting that successive administrations still draw from the structures and institutions he established.
Prince Shuaibu Audu highlighted his ongoing efforts to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen Nigeria’s steel sector as a continuation of his father’s dream for industrial and economic development in Kogi State.
He thanked all partners and stakeholders supporting these initiatives, reiterating that the collective aspiration for a stronger Kogi State and a more prosperous Nigeria is rooted in his father’s enduring vision.
The Minister also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the Audu family.
He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, who attended the event. He described Senator Akume as a friend and colleague of his late father from the class of 1999 governors, acknowledging his role in supporting and honouring Prince Audu’s memory.
He further commended the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and members of the State Executive Council for hosting the memorial as a state event, noting that it reflects the enduring respect Kogi State holds for Prince Audu.
He also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, Capt. Idris Wada, and Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for their continued dedication to preserving his father’s legacy, describing their presence as a testament to the late leader’s far-reaching impact.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Chief Host of the event, described Prince Audu as a visionary leader whose transformative governance continues to shape Kogi State.
In a symbolic tribute, he announced the renaming of a major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, directing relevant agencies to install signage, repair roads, install streetlights, and beautify the area. The Governor emphasised that these measures are part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to uphold Prince Audu’s ideals of unity, progress, and service to the people.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume CON said that the late Prince Abubakar Audu was marked as an icon of development and great vision, noting his contribution to the development of Benue State in the time he served in Benue State.
He described him as a man who was genuinely loved by his people as one of the first Nigerians that won in a free, fair and credible elections.
The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello urged everyone to reflect on the life and times of the late former governor who was a revolutionary and served with all sincerity, who while in office took bold steps that have continued to impact positively of the people of Kogi State and Nigeria even long after his demise.
The memorial also featured the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, alongside a lecture and book review of “Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”, reviewed by former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN.
Other dignitaries present included former Governors Capt. Idris Wada and Yahaya Adoza Bello, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, and numerous political and community leaders who paid tribute to the late statesman.
The 10th memorial celebration served as both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of the enduring impact of Prince Abubakar Audu’s leadership, inspiring current and future generations to continue the work of unity, progress, and transformative governance in Kogi State.
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Apo/Karshi road: FCTA tarminates contract over incompetence
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, revealed on Thursday, said it has terminated Apo/Karshi road over incompetence and the contract have already been reawarded to another contractor.
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The project was re – awarded under emergency project and will be flagged off by the FCT Minster soon.
Wike revealed this when he inspected Karu , OSEX and Kishiri road , Abuja.
It would be recalled that, the Apo-Karshi road contract was awarded in 2011. The project was given to M/S Kakatar Nig. Ltd by the administration at the time and was initially expected to be completed within 20 months.
And due to the inability of M/S Kakatar Nig. Ltd, to be able to do the project, the administration terminated the contract and awarded it to SCC contractor.
According to Wike, “Let me tell you the truth, we have terminated that contract; it has been reawarded to SCC. If you go there now, you will see that they have started work. It is a road that so many people are very interested in because it will decongest some of these areas. So that’s why we should do it, and like I said, we cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people. That road has been terminated.
“And the road leading from Kubwa to Bwari has also started, so that there will be an alternative route to Bwari. That’s also awarded to SCC. So, we can assure you that things are moving very well according to plan”.
Speaking on Karu, Gishiri, and OSEX, he said, “Well, I have always said, what makes the government feel relaxed is when the people are happy. Of course, the very essence of governance is to make people be happy and make them have what improves their lives. When we went to Karu, you remember the first time we went to Karu to flag off, it was one road. And there, I made a promise that all the other connecting roads would be included.
“I am very happy to report the progress on the job. The contractor is doing very well. And that shows this is one of the projects we are going to line up for the 3rd anniversary of Mr President. I am quite impressed. And those houses that blocked the water channel, we are going to bring them down, to enable water to have its own way.
“And then we went to Gishiri, and you see the level of work being done by CGC. All those roads that were done by them, which were inaugurated by Mr President sometime in June this year, and that project also will be inaugurated on the 3rd anniversary of Mr President. Now we are in OSEX. This leads you from Apo to Wassa. And it’s also part of the road by the grace of God, certainly will be inaugurated in his 3rd year in office.
“So, you can see the happiness of everybody. And that’s what shows that the Renewed Hope Agenda is really working. People had never seen this type of development in Abuja before. And that is why you can imagine when we were at Karu, just mere coming down, see how the students were very happy. As we went to Girishi, look at how the pupils there are all very happy. And so, it makes us happy too”.
On the woman in Karu that built on water channel, that the FCT Minister promised some compensation, the Minister said, yes, the woman did the wrong thing and her property must go down or this can cause flooding later.
“You cannot do something to block the water channels, and we are even sympathetic by saying that we were going to give you money, but we must allow the water to have its way, because if not, it will cause a lot of flooding. That will also not be good for the people living around there. So sometimes we should not be emotional. She’s crying.
“She did the wrong thing. she caused the problem. But we are giving the human face by saying, okay, we’ll give you some funds so that yiu can find an alternative. Ordinarily, we don’t need to have done that. What she has done was to violate the building regulation”, he said.
For 2026, Wike, said Abuja residents should expect more infrastural development that will lift the lives of the people, that will improve the economic activities.
“We have started procurement around all our health centres. So next year, we believe that what you see in 2025 will be nothing to compare to what we’ll see in 2026. And I must tell you the truth, in 2026, we are not likely to put any new projects.
“We want to make sure that the projects we have started this year will be completed in 2026. Those projects will come in the 2026 budget. Mind you, that year appears to be a political year. So, you don’t expect to start projects that you may not be able to finish within the period that you’re appointed to stay. So, we want to make sure all projects we have started, by the grace of God, were completed”, he noted.
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NDLEA Stumbles in Asset Declaration Case Against Abba Kyari as Cross-Examination Ends in Confusion
By Our Correspindent
The NDLEA on Wednesday suffered a major setback in its asset-declaration case against Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari at the Federal High Court, Abuja, after the cross-examination of the first respondent ended with little progress and several moments of courtroom tension.
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The case, instituted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alleges that Kyari failed to declare his assets. However, during cross-examination, the prosecution — led by counsel Sunday Joseph —unsuccessfully struggled to establish inconsistencies in Kyari’s statements, especially regarding inheritance and property ownership.
At the previous sitting, Joseph attempted to compel Kyari to admit that all properties left by his late father were exclusively his. Kyari firmly corrected the claim, explaining that the properties belonged to the entire family and would be shared among his 29 siblings whenever the family decided to do so.
Kyari also reiterated to the court that he declared all his assets and bank accounts, insisting that over 90% of the properties the NDLEA claimed belonged to him were completely false. He stated that the legitimate owners of those properties had already come forward, tendered their documents in court, and exposed NDLEA’s media-trial narratives as fabricated.
He further informed the court that all his bank account statements are before the court, showing that he has less than ₦4 million combined across all his accounts — accounts which NDLEA has blocked for more than three years. Kyari emphasized that not a single kobo in any of his accounts has ever been linked to any criminal activity despite NDLEA’s public allegations.
> “My late father left over 20 houses for his children in Maiduguri. About four were sold to cater for his medical treatment,” Kyari told the court.
Attempts by the prosecution to shift their questioning toward unrelated matters were swiftly rejected by Justice Omotosho, who cautioned the NDLEA counsel against straying into irrelevant territory.
> “I won’t allow that. This case has nothing to do with cocaine. This is strictly about alleged non-declaration of assets. You cannot come here and ask irrelevant questions,” the judge warned.
“If you waste your allotted time, I will end your case. Stick to what is before the court.”
Tension rose again when Joseph made what the court described as a “parable,” prompting an even sterner warning from Justice Omotosho.
> “Be careful. Do not come here and impugn this holy temple. What do you mean by that? Are you trying to teach the court its job? It appears you are not ready,” the visibly irritated judge stated.
During Wednesday’s resumed hearing, the prosecution presented a police document and repeatedly asked Kyari to refer to specific pages, causing confusion in court.
“Page 20?” Joseph asked.
Kyari responded, “Page 20 contains details of drug suspects arrested by the Police and the transfer of suspects and exhibits to NDLEA.”
On page 19, Kyari again clarified that it contained similar arrests of the drug suspects by the Police IRT and handover NDLEA — none related to the asset-declaration charge.
Justice Omotosho later allowed the prosecution more time to verify the document.
Kyari then pointed out that the document being relied upon was merely an interim police report, stressing that a final and superior police report is available and contradicts the three-year-old interim version.
Kyari also detailed several false claims the NDLEA had made against him, including publicly alleging that he owned the Borno State Government polo ground — a property belonging to the state government long before he was born. He reminded the court that NDLEA also filed false statements in the Federal High Court, Maiduguri, claiming he confessed to owning properties belonging to innocent Nigerians. Those real property owners, armed with their documents, have since filed cases against NDLEA.
After these exchanges, the NDLEA counsel abruptly announced that he had no further questions, surprising both the court and observers. Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), counsel for the defence, also confirmed he had no additional cross-examination.
The matter has been adjourned for the filing and adoption of final written addresses, after which judgment will be delivered.
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