A dramatic paternity dispute unfolded at the Justice Court as a man identified as Ogunlade Kehinde Samuel dragged his wife, Ogunlade Ibiwunmi Joy before the court to confirm the paternity of one of their children after years of doubt and marital crisis.
Presiding over the matter, Judge Funmi Asaolu heard arguments from both parties after Samuel filed an action seeking to establish whether the child he had raised for years was biologically his.
Explaining why he approached the court, Samuel said that for the past eight years of his marriage, he had been maltreated and cheated on repeatedly. He stated that recent developments had created doubts in his mind about the children he had raised and cared for over the years.
According to him, the uncertainty had been emotionally disturbing, and he only wanted to clear his doubts and be completely certain that the children were biologically his.
When asked about their relationship, Samuel told the court that the defendant was his wife and that they were married traditionally, in church, and through statutory marriage.
Responding, the defendant narrated how she received a call from her children’s school informing her that Samuel had come to pick one of the children.
“I was at my place of work when I received a call from the proprietress of my child’s school that my husband was there to pick one of the children,” she said.
“I told her no, he should not. He left us since last year. So the apartment we were staying, they sent us parking and I was able to secure a room. So receiving that from the school, I was like, ‘No madam, he should not.’ After all, he has labelled my children bastards. Leave them for me, I will take care of them with God by my side.”
The woman further accused Samuel of taking the child for a DNA test without her consent.
“He forcefully took the child for the DNA test. Even if you’re going to do DNA, it shouldn’t be for only that girl. It should be for the three children, not only that girl and not without my consent,” she said.
According to her, Samuel had earlier sent her a message informing her about the planned DNA test.
“He sent me a message saying, ‘DNA test today or unfailingly tomorrow.’ I was at work and I could not just leave without notice,” she added.
However, despite her objections to the process, she clarified before the court that she had no problem with DNA tests being carried out on all the children.
“The doubt is too much. Let’s clear this out. Not only that child, for the three kids I had for you,” she said.
After listening to both parties, Judge Funmilayo requested the DNA result already conducted on one of the children.
Reading the result aloud in court, the judge stated, “The above result summary shows that Kend Samuel is the biological father of the tested female child, Erica.”
Addressing Samuel after the result was read, the judge said, “You may have your doubts and you might have reasons for having your doubts, but this DNA has confirmed that Erica is your biological child. Rest assured now.”
When asked whether he still wanted DNA tests conducted on the other children, Samuel declined.
The defendant, however, expressed concern about the emotional damage caused by Samuel’s accusations.
“Your Honour, how do we erase the label the kids have been carrying? Bastard,” she asked.
In response, Judge Funmilayo advised her to consult her lawyer if she intended to pursue a defamation case.
“Did he go to a public place to declare the child a bastard? Your lawyer will guide you. There are grounds for everything,” the judge said.
Counsel to the defendant also faulted the manner in which the DNA test was conducted.
“Procedurally, things must be done orderly. From what I gathered, the complainant went to the school, picked the child without the knowledge of the defendant, and conducted the test,” the lawyer argued.
However, the judge pointed out that conversations between the couple showed the defendant was already aware Samuel intended to conduct DNA tests on all three children.
“The two of them have given consent for this to be done and read, and that is why they are both here,” the judge ruled.
Concluding the matter, Judge Funmilayo reaffirmed that Erica was Samuel’s biological daughter and officially struck out the case……See More
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