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Tag: DNA

  • ‘One in four Nigerian men tested are not biological fathers’

    ‘One in four Nigerian men tested are not biological fathers’

    A new report from Smart DNA, Nigeria’s leading DNA testing centre, has revealed that one in every four Nigerian men who undergo paternity testing is not the biological father of the child in question, a statistic that continues to send shockwaves through the country’s evolving family landscape. The company’s 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, which covers the period from July 2024 to June 2025, offers a sobering reflection on the intersections of trust, family, migration, and modern science in Nigeria.

    Despite a slight decrease from 27per cent in 2024 to 25per cent in 2025, the high rate of paternity exclusion remains disturbingly consistent, sustaining what experts are now calling a quiet but growing social crisis. “These findings are not just about science; they speak volumes about trust, relationships, and the economic and emotional realities of Nigerian families today,” said Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA Nigeria.

    One of the most jarring revelations in this year’s report is the disproportionate rate of paternity rejection among firstborn sons. A staggering 64 per cent of firstborn males tested were found to have no biological relation to their presumed fathers, making them the most likely group to return negative results. This figure dwarfs the rates seen in later-born children, painting a complex psychological and social picture.

    Firstborn daughters also showed higher-than-average rejection rates, though not as dramatically as sons. This trend may hint at an unspoken cultural phenomenon where early relationships, pre-marital pregnancies, or strategic partner selection are factors at play. It also raises pointed questions about how fatherhood is initially claimed and socially accepted, especially in patriarchal societies where male lineage is often tied to legacy, inheritance, and family name continuity.

    Beyond family drama, Nigeria’s current mass emigration movement—popularly dubbed the “Japa” wave—has triggered a 13.1per cent surge in immigration-related DNA testing, according to the report. This marks a historic increase in testing for visa applications, dual-citizenship verifications, and family reunification abroad. With growing numbers of Nigerian families preparing for or adjusting to life in the diaspora, many are turning to DNA services to legally validate familial ties—especially when processing foreign documentation for minors. “DNA testing is now a gateway not just to truth, but to opportunity,” Digia noted. “We’re seeing parents use this as a safeguard—essentially, a form of biological passport for their children.”

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    Men remain overwhelmingly at the centre of the paternity inquiry ecosystem, accounting for 88.2 per cent of all test initiations. This near-monopoly on demand reflects a society where women are often excluded from questioning lineage, and men shoulder both the emotional and financial consequences of uncertainty. Notably, older men (aged 41 and above) were the most frequent clients, initiating 45.5per cent of all tests, suggesting that financial stability may empower them to finally confront long-held suspicions. At the same time, the majority of children tested (58.6per cent) were under the age of five—indicating that in many cases, doubts arise early and parents are acting quickly to establish the truth. The gender of the child also appears to matter: 53.8per cent of those tested were male, highlighting an enduring bias toward confirming male lineage. This may be rooted in traditional views that prioritise the male child in matters of succession and family identity.

    While Lagos continues to lead in testing volume with 69 per cent of all samples, its internal landscape is shifting. The Mainland-to-Island balance has tilted, with Island locations like Lekki and Ajah seeing increased testing activity—likely reflecting the upward mobility of Lagos residents and the growing influence of the Island’s more affluent communities. Top testing locations included Lekki (20.3 per cent), Yaba (15.8 per cent), Ajah and Ikorodu (10.5 per cent each), and Surulere and Ikeja (9 percent each).

    Ethnic representation within the data offers another layer of complexity. Yoruba clients made up 53per cent of all testing cases, followed by Igbo clients at 31.3 per cent. Surprisingly, Hausa participation remains minimal at 1.2 per cent, despite their significant population nationally. This disparity may reflect cultural taboos, religious sensitivities, or lower awareness and acceptance of DNA testing in Northern Nigeria.

    The new data also showed that most tests are quiet, personal – and not legally driven. This means that the vast majority of tests—83.7per cent—were conducted for “peace of mind” rather than legal proceedings. This confirms a hidden but widespread culture of suspicion and silent inquiry into family truths. Court-mandated tests, by contrast, made up only 1.4 per cent of cases. Equally telling is that 80 percent of tests involved only one child, suggesting most clients are focused on a single case of doubt, rather than conducting a blanket investigation across all children. This speaks to the specificity—and often the secrecy—surrounding these tests.

    Despite the scale and implications of these findings, experts are worried that Nigeria still lacks legislation on paternity fraud, unlike countries such as South Africa where legal protections exist for men misled about biological parenthood. The absence of clear legal recourse continues to leave thousands of men without support or restitution after years of emotional and financial investment in children they later discover are not theirs. The report recommends urgent policy reform, alongside the integration of DNA testing into family health services and public education campaigns to counter myths and normalise open paternity conversations.

    The 2025 Smart DNA Nigeria Annual Report does more than quantify paternity doubts—it exposes a society in quiet upheaval, grappling with trust, evolving family dynamics, and the unforgiving truth offered by modern science. At its core, this isn’t just a health or legal issue—it is a national conversation waiting to happen. “Behind every statistic is a human story—of doubt, betrayal, clarity, or relief. Our mission is not just to

  • Sanger Sequencing settles DNA rows, others

    Sanger Sequencing settles DNA rows, others

    As questions surrounding paternity fraud and DNA disputes gain prominence, experts maintain that despite the introduction of Next Generation Sequencing [NGS] Capillary Electrophoresis [CE] precision, accuracy, affordability and proven track record have kept it at the forefront.

    According to the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world’s largest biomedical library and a national resource for health professionals, scientists, and the public, Sanger Sequencing is one of the most important methods that are commonly used for DNA sequencing.

    “Despite the existence of more advanced methods, Sanger Sequencing developed by Frederick Sanger remains the gold standard in various applications due to its reliability,” says NLM.

    Sanger Sequencing holds extensive significance in medicine owing to its precision, dependability and capacity to sequence minute quantities of DNA. This technique is effectively employed to analyze particular segments of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) and perform short tandem repeat (STR) analysis for the objective of human identification.

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    Furthermore, “Sanger Sequencing serves to establish connections between biological evidence and individuals, identify genetic disorders, and investigate drug metabolism within the realm of forensic medicine” according to information from the NLM website.

    Concurring with NLM, Dr Emeka Obiodunukwe, the CEO of DemyHealth, a leading genomic centre, while speaking with journalists in Lagos recently, said that in an era marked by breakthroughs in genetic technologies that CE remains the gold standard for paternity testing.

    “CE has been the backbone of DNA analysis for decades, offering high reliability in genetic comparisons. This technique focuses on analyzing 15 – 27 Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) from human DNA, which are highly variable between individuals and serve as the perfect markers for establishing biological relationships. With a decades-long legacy of delivering greater than 99.99% accuracy in results, CE is synonymous with reliability in legal and personal paternity cases,” noted Obiodunukwe.

  • Striking trends in Nigerian DNA paternity testing results

    Striking trends in Nigerian DNA paternity testing results

    Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre based in Lagos, has unveiled its 2024 report, offering a deep dive into the evolving trends and implications of DNA testing in Nigeria. Spanning the period from July 2023 to June 2024, the report provides a comprehensive overview of paternity testing results, immigration-related DNA tests, and other significant findings that reflect shifting societal norms, economic disparities and evolving family structures.

    One of the most striking revelations from the report is the high incidence of negative paternity results. According to the data, 27 per cent of the paternity tests conducted came back negative, indicating that more than one in four tested men were not the biological fathers of the children in question. This statistic highlights a significant level of paternity uncertainty within Nigerian society, sparking important conversations about family dynamics, trust, and relationship integrity.

    Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on this finding, stating, “The high rate of negative paternity tests sheds light on the complexities of personal relationships in Nigeria. It underscores the need for open conversations about family trust and the implications of these results on societal norms.”

    The report also identifies a notable increase in DNA tests conducted for immigration purposes, reflecting the broader “Japa” trend—where Nigerians are increasingly seeking opportunities abroad. The surge in immigration-related DNA testing is attributed to the growing number of Nigerians navigating dual citizenship and emigration paperwork for their children. Digia explained, “The rise in immigration-related DNA tests points to a significant shift in how Nigerians are planning their futures. As more people seek opportunities outside the country, the demand for accurate documentation and verification has surged.”

    A key finding from the report is the overwhelming concentration of DNA testing services in Lagos, which accounted for 73.1 per cent of all tests conducted. Within Lagos, there is a clear economic divide, with the Mainland region representing 67.5 per cent of tests and the Island region 32.5per cent. This concentration raises concerns about the accessibility of DNA testing services in other parts of Nigeria and highlights the economic disparities within the city. “The concentration of testing in Lagos highlights an important issue regarding access to these services,” Digia noted. “Our goal is to expand our reach and ensure that quality DNA testing services are available across the entire country.”

    The report reveals a significant gender disparity in the initiation of DNA tests. Men initiated 88.2 per cent of all test requests, while women initiated just 11.8 per cent. This substantial imbalance raises questions about gender roles, societal pressures, and trust issues within relationships. “This disparity in test initiation underscores broader societal issues related to gender and trust,” Digia observed. “Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the underlying concerns and fostering a more equitable approach to paternity testing.”

    The report also highlights an uneven ethnic distribution in DNA test requests. The Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 per cent of tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3 per cent, while the Hausa group represented only 1.20 per cent. This distribution does not align with Nigeria’s national ethnic demographics and suggests varying cultural attitudes towards paternity testing and genetic science. “The ethnic distribution of DNA tests raises important questions about cultural attitudes and access to genetic science,” Digia said. “This information will help us tailor our services and outreach efforts to better serve diverse communities.”

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    The report provides additional insights into the age demographics of those requesting DNA tests. Most tests were conducted on children aged 0-5 years (54.0%), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation. Among adults, men aged 41 and above (45.6%) and those aged 31-40 years (37.0%) were the most frequent initiators of tests, possibly reflecting economic capabilities or heightened concerns about paternity. “There’s a clear preference for early paternity confirmation, particularly for young children,” Digia noted. “The higher request rates among older men may also reflect increased financial stability or greater concern over paternity.”

    The report shows a slight gender bias in child testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) compared to female children (47.2%). This trend may suggest a cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring. “This slight gender bias could reflect cultural attitudes towards male children,” Digia explained. “It’s important to consider these cultural factors when interpreting the data and developing our services.”

    A significant finding from the report is that the majority of DNA tests (85.9%) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind,’ indicating that personal reassurance is the primary motivation behind most DNA testing in Nigeria. This trend highlights the personal rather than legal nature of many DNA tests. “The focus on ‘Peace of Mind’ emphasises the personal nature of DNA testing for many Nigerians,” Digia said. “Our role is to provide accurate and confidential testing to support individuals seeking clarity and reassurance.”

    Smart DNA’s 2024 report provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of DNA testing in Nigeria. The findings reveal significant trends and highlight areas for further research and discussion. “These findings offer a unique window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society. The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy. They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research. The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria. As a company, we’re committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality,” she said.

    As Smart DNA continues to expand its services, addressing these insights will be crucial in meeting the diverse needs of the Nigerian population. “We are committed to expanding access to DNA testing services across Nigeria while upholding the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality,” Digia concluded. “These insights will guide us in better understanding and addressing the evolving needs of our clients.”

  • DNA and the paternity show

    DNA and the paternity show

    Civilisation brought a lot of things in its wake, especially in Africa. The continent was and still is a place, where the people are their brothers and sisters keepers. They look out for one another whether or not they enjoy filial bond.

    Children grow up together under the same roof without drawing attention to who their biological father is. There is no need for that because children are seen as precious gifts from God to be cherished, loved and treated with care.

    Why bother over who the father is when every elder that is around whether known or unknown is considered as the father of a child. Father is called many endearing names. To some, he is Daddy or Baba, to others, he is Papa, and to people in the part of the country I come from, he is Abame. It is a name that every man loves to bear. At a certain stage in life, a man craves the title because of the prestige and honour it confers. Society also pressures him to make haste and become a father.

    Fathers are revered. They are treated as demi-gods. It is believed that they can do no wrong. In any gathering that they speak, people listen with rapt attention. ‘Dake, Baba n’soro’ (keep quiet father is speaking), those perceived as interrupting daddy when he is talking are told.

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    The African father takes the prize when it comes to fatherhood. Every child in the household is his. None is a bastard, that cursed word, which in recent times has scattered many homes in the wake of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) tests that are conducted to determine the paternity of a child. DNA is a molecule that contains the genetic code that is unique to every individual. Those days, even where it is common knowledge that a child is not sired by the father, the man takes the child as his and life goes on. These days people want to know the truth for certain reasons and many otherwise happy homes are the worse for it.

    In the good old days, people knew about certain things and kept the secrets to themselves for the good of all. Children are the heritage of God and the way they come to the world does not matter – the least of all being that they are sired by a man who had an affair with a married woman. Who cares? They wonder, adding: who knows what the child may become tomorrow? It is because of that pregnant tomorrow, which many no longer seem to care about today, that the child is not stigmatised. He is not seen as no less a member of the household because of the circumstances of his birth.

    There was a traditional way of determining the paternity of a child before the advent of DNA, but no family resorted to it because they saw no need for such a ‘test’ because of what it may expose. It was better to keep such issue within the family to avoid the shame that comes with knowing the truth. It is not today that men and women have been having extramarital affairs that resulted in babies.

    In the interest of all, the babies are protected to avoid a huge crisis. Today, this protection has been jettisoned by men who desire to know the truth in order to set their minds free! In most cases, the truth comes to light when they are planning to travel abroad in search of greener pastures. Whichever way the truth emerges, it leaves a sour taste in the mouth and a long-lasting bitterness against the offending party.

    The latest report on DNA Testing released by a firm whose record in this field is well known has again brought to the fore the issues surrounding the need for the test, especially for children who have lived for years with a father who has seen them through school as well as catered to their needs all their lives. Should a DNA test be allowed to disrupt such a happy home because of the escapades of the mother?

    Is the desire to go abroad worth all the trouble of having a DNA test that will destroy an age-old marriage and turn the lives of the children upside down? DNA is good, but its aftereffect seismic shocks are ill winds that blow no good. Serious considerations must be given to its dire consequences of destroying homes and separating grown children from a father they have known all their lives, who is now in his twilight years. How many men can live with the fact of knowing that the child they love so much is not biologically theirs?

    That man, I daresay, is not yet born. It is only a goat that learns of its impending death and still eats. It is a bitter pill to swallow. So, is it not better not to know the truth and live in peace than to know the truth and become a living dead? According to Smart DNA, paternity uncertainty remains high. It said 27 per cent of paternity tests came back negative.

    What this means is that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children. The result is alarming. It shows that many married women are unfaithful. This damning report is an indictment of married women. What is the essence of being married, but going out with another man to the extent of having a child for him? The moral and social implications are incomprehensible.

    How will these mothers feel if their sons’ wives play the extramarital game that result in babies too? Will they find it in their hearts to forgive their daughters-in-law? DNA is a personal matter, with wide implications for the society. It must be handled with care and every sense of responsibility to avoid its debilitating consequences. After all, it is not the fault of the children, but of their mothers’ who chose to be unfaithful. The fear of DNA may yet deter other married women from engaging in away games.

  • Paternity uncertainty remains high,  DNA test reports reveal

    Paternity uncertainty remains high,  DNA test reports reveal

    A leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, Smart DNA, has released its 2024 report on DNA testing in Nigeria.

    The report unveils astonishing findings that shed light on societal dynamics, economic factors, and changing family structures in Nigeria.

    The report, News Agency of Nigeria reports showed paternity uncertainty remained high.

    It said 27 per cent of paternity tests came back negative, indicating more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children.

    It also showed Immigration Tests surge, indicating the “Japa” trend was high.

    The report noted increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, growing more than any other test type, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad.

    The trend suggested a number of parents with dual citizenship were processing paperwork for their children’s emigration

    On regional dominance, it showed Lagos dominated.

    About 73.1 per cent of DNA tests were conducted in Lagos with a stark divide between Mainland (67.5 per cent) and Island (32.5 per cent).

    This concentration highlighted the economic divide in Lagos and across Nigeria, raising questions about access to such services in other parts.

    It also showed the Yoruba accounted for 53 per cent of tests, followed by Igbo (31.3 per cent), with Hausa at 1.20 per cent.

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    Smart DNA’s Operations Manager, Elizabeth Digia said: “These findings offer a unique window into  changing dynamics of families and society.

    “The high rate of negative paternity tests and surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy.

    “They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research.

    “The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria.

    “As a company, we’re committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality,” she said.

  • Cancer specialist highlights faulty DNA as primary cause of children cancers

    Cancer specialist highlights faulty DNA as primary cause of children cancers

    Dr. Victor Isibor, the Registrar in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), has urged expectant mothers to refrain from harmful habits such as smoking, drug abuse, and exposure to radiation. He emphasised the importance of avoiding these behaviours to prevent the transmission of faulty genetics to their children. Isibor highlighted that faulty genetics or DNA is a leading cause of cancer in children.

     Speaking at a cancer awareness event in Lagos organised by NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre (NLCC) in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Isibor explained that cancer is fundamentally a genetic disease, emphasising that the body’s DNA structure determines various aspects of one’s health.

     “The DNA determines complexion, how tall one will be and how susceptible one could be to some diseases. So, when people have DNA that is faulty, maybe some issue arises in the formation of the DNA for one reason or the other which usually is one of the commonest reasons in very young children. There is a faulty development of the proteins and organs at the end of the day. 

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     “So, the organ that should function in a particular way begins to increase in size and functions some other way and usually, that other way eventually, is cancer or leads to cancer. So, it is faulty DNA or genetics that leads to cancers in children and some children are born sometimes with that faulty DNA from the womb,” he said. He explained further, “Sometimes, some of the things that the mothers are exposed to in pregnancy, like a mother who smokes or exposed to radiation, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy or a mother who is exposed to some drugs like DES are the reasons their children are born with cancers. The drug is not really used commonly but women who are exposed to it with babies in the womb eventually, when the babies come out, they develop some of these cancers like cervical cancer.”

     Stressing the need for regular breast examination, he added that, “All cancers, when detected early are treatable and some are even curable. So, giving people at this age of life when they are still very impressionable the skills and knowledge for which they can screen, and check themselves is very important. So, having this knowledge will help to raise awareness, and increase early detection of breast and cervical cancers. Early detection simplifies treatment and overall survival in the country.

     “Vaccination can help to protect against other malignancies like cervical, liver cancer especially. There is a vaccine against human papillomavirus, a virus which when contacted can eventually cause cervical cancer. So, the vaccine is available in government facilities all over the states and it’s given to children from nine years and above, at least, before the onset of sexual activity to protect against cervical cancer,” Osibor advised.

  • Olasimbo Sojinrin : Fighting for gender equality part of my DNA

    Olasimbo Sojinrin : Fighting for gender equality part of my DNA

    Olasimbo Sojinrin is the Chief Operating Officer for Solar Sister and President of the Women Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON), founded by her late mother, a Lawyer and activist, Chief (Mrs) Bisi Olateru Olagbegi. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about mentorship by her mum, working on the trafficking of women and children, human rights, gender equality, and more.

    ET’S talk about Solar Sister. How did the initiative start?

    The feminist bit has always been in me, being the daughter of Chief (Mrs) Bisi Olateru Olagbegi. I grew up in a very Feminist household, so fighting for gender equality was just part of my DNA. But in school, I have always loved the environment, loved geography and Solar Sister presented the opportunity to be able to do both gender and Environment studies. As the name implies, the Solar side represents Clean Energy technology and the Sister represents Women’s Economic empowerment. It is a marriage of the two and we have seen this opportunity in Nigeria where women can now be at the forefront of fighting and providing solutions in their communities. So, they don’t need to wait for the government or wait for when electricity come. They can sell Solar lamps or Solar products to members of their communities and they no longer have to stay in the dark. They no longer have to read with Candles or lanterns. They can use a clean light and they don’t have to cook with their smoky three-stone fire. They can now cook with a Clean stove. So, it is really helping livelihood and it is providing beyond just the light and other benefits to the communities.

    Tell us about the Women’s Consortium of Nigeria.

    It was birthed after the Beijing Conference in 1995. She went with the Nigerian delegation to talk about women’s rights and to represent the voices of Women in Nigeria.  So, she started WOCON when she came back. It was the Pioneer organisation talking about issues such as trafficking in women, a lot of women, and child rights issues.

    She advocated for this and was also very vocal for women’s political advancement, recognising that women need to be in power for a lot of things.  Many of the gender inequality issues that we are facing now were things she gave attention to. 

    So, a lot of the work that WOCON did and continues to do is really around promoting the rights of women and children.  In the political sphere, I am talking about trafficking in persons, sex trafficking, children trafficking, and ensuring that people are educated and that there are safety nets for vulnerable Women and children who are faced with these issues.

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    Did you follow your mum to Beijing then?

    No. I did not! But, I used to go with her to different Conferences and that was what picked my interest in Constitutional development, even as far back as 1996.

    I remember my mum and I co-writing a proposal to ILO (International Labour Organisation) then for 250 child domestic workers to help rescue and rehabilitate them into society.  I was the Youth Director for WOCON and I used to lead and coordinate all the Youth activities of the Organisation. 

    Your mum was also a Lawyer, could this be why she was very vocal?

    Yes. She was a legal practitioner and that obviously made her very interested in justice, rights, and gender specifically her passion.  That is where I got my passion from, just watching her, and seeing her being very vocal.  In fact, she even represented Nigeria at the UN International Women’s Conference to talk about gender. We lived it.

    She also had the African identity in her aso oke suits, is this something you also identify with?

    I now use the Ankara tops. Most times, you see me wearing our Ankara and traditional fabrics.  That is how I really grew up.

    What are some of the things that you share in common with your mum?

    I think for me fundamentally is our values, recognising the voice of women, and knowing the gender inequalities that exist. Not just knowing about it but doing something to correct that, being very focal, being interested, and having an active role in actually correcting the imbalance. I think those are some of the things that I have picked up over the years.

    What are your memories of her last days?

    On her very last day, WOCON had an event at the border, where we were advocating for illegal migration, educating them about the ills of illegal migration and trafficking.  And she had been ill towards the last days. She had cancer and around that time it was already terminal.  But, even on the last day, she was still able to give some pointers as to what to do, how to coordinate the event, who was doing what, who was speaking, and who to connect with.

    So, she was someone I would say worked to the very last day. On her tombstone, you will see here lies a woman who worked, and served her life to protect the lives of children and women.

    She mentored a lot of women.  How would you describe these women and what they miss about her?

    She was one of the early feminists in the country. I see a lot of women who are now leaders in their own Organisations, who worked with her or whom she mentored and that has always been the pride of our family, our organisation, and the fact that the work has continued.

    A lot of them are women in the space, some of them have held political positions, and led International organisations and it is a proud moment for us when we see these women in society.

    What are you doing now about the trafficking of women?

    WOCON is very involved with NAPTIP. My mum was part of the negotiation for starting the Agency, looking out for the needs of the Agency. Even after the establishment of the Agency, we worked very closely with them. If there is going to be a rescue effort, they would invite us to be part of it, to come along with them, go to the border to do the checks. We offer counseling services to date at the office.  Here Women can come in for free legal counsel and we also do psycho-social counselling as well. So, that is still ongoing.  We are part of several Coalitions, especially children. We are still very involved in the fight against trafficking and a number of shelters have come up since she started her work. And just being able to refer people to sister organisations to people who provide those services.  Also, we have done a lot of tracking for victims’ or survivors’ families. As well as reuniting survivors with their families.

    When you are not doing all of this, how do you relax?

    It is usually just spending quality time with the family. I am married and have two children. Most times, I am on the road and any available time I am just at home unwinding with the family.

    One last message for Nigerian women?

    We can’t keep quiet in the face of injustice. As women, mothers, and custodians of our society we really need to advocate for our rights, for the privilege of every woman. Not just us, even if we are comfortable, we need to think about our sisters who are vulnerable and living in difficult situations.

  • Mavin Records’ back with ‘All is in order’

    One of the foremost record labels in the Nigerian entertainment scene, Mavin Records, has dropped a banging video titled ”All is in order.”

    Reports say that the video features stars on the record label, which include Don Jazzy, Rema, Korede Bello, DNA & Crayon.

    Crayon is Mavin’s latest signee. Don Jazzy shares a little story on how Crayon was discovered by a good friend and producer, Babyfresh.

    In the latest video, the Mavins stars assured Nigerians to be calm as the record label is still active, stressing that “All is in order” in their chorus

  • Lagos brings fresh DNA evidence against Danish murder suspect 

    A LAGOS High Court yesterday deferred till May 10 the murder trial of a Dane, Peter Nielsen, to enable him examine the new DNA evidence brought against him by the state

    Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile fixed the date following an application by Nielsen’s counsel, Olasupo Shasore (SAN).

    Shasore accused the state of swamping the defence with “a bundle of papers” and a flash drive containing “almost 100 pages of scientific analysis” only a day before yesterday’s proceeding.

    Nielsen, 54, is standing trial for the death of his Nigerian singer wife, Zainab and their three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Petra, last April 5.

    The state accused the Dane of smothering Zainab and Petra around 3:45am at No 4, Flat 17, Bella Vista Tower, Banana Island, Ikoyi.

    Five people were said to be in the apartment that fateful night –  Nielsen, Zainab, Petra, Gift and Favour Madaki, both of whom are Zainab’s stepsisters.

    Nielsen was arraigned last June 13, on two counts of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Last March 25, the state obtained an adjournment to enable it secure its last witness, a forensic expert, and serve other “information that is very essential” to the defence.

    But at the resumed hearing yesterday, Shasore told the court that the state did not keep its word about the date to serve the new information.

    He said: “We were served, contrary to the undertaking, on Friday, March 25, at 3:35pm, with a bundle of papers containing two new documents, and, crucially, my lord, a new DNA report. A new report containing DNA analysis.

    “The report is styled ‘Forensic DNA superseding report’. It concerns matters that occurred almost a year ago. The defendant was arraigned in this court in June 2018, a period of almost nine months.

    “The state has prepared two DNA forensic reports, from which we prepared our defence. My lord, we are greatly prejudiced, that on the eve of the testimony of a forensic expert, the state will introduce new evidence without availing us the opportunity to consider expert advice on this. A report that seeks to discountenance all we’ve done for the last nine months.

    “We are disappointed at the conduct of the state, for putting us in this state. We are hereby applying for an adjournment, based on these, and we are at great pains to do so.

    “To compound this, the state served us yesterday (Tuesday), a flash drive containing detailed DNA analysis, almost 100 pages of scientific analysis.

    “We are at great pains to seek this adjournment because we are anxious that the defendant be set free.”

    Responding, Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Titilayo Shitta-Bey said there was no   intention to delay Nielsen’s trial.

    Shitta-Bey said: “I want to apologise to the Learned Silk; the service of the flash drive was not an attempt to delay trial.

    “My lord will recall that at the beginning of this trial, the prosecution made an application for biological samples from the defendant for DNA analysis, and the court granted the application.

    “The defendant’s blood samples were collected during the trial and subjected to tests to build his DNA profile.

    “It is the outcome of the tests carried out on the defendant’s samples that is now incorporated, served on the defence, titled ‘Forensic DNA superseding report’.”

    She said the flash drive “merely contains an overview, summary of the scientific DNA report that we have already served on the defence…it contains nothing new.

    “However, in view of the concerns of the Learned Silk, I will not be opposing the application for adjournment.”

  • MTN Foundation upgrades lab

    The MTN Foundation has completed the installation and upgrade of advanced prenatal diagnostic equipment at the DNA laboratory of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria (SCFN). The handover ceremony was held recently at the National Sickle Cell Centre in Idi-Araba, Lagos.

    With this latest upgrade and equipment installation, the DNA laboratory now operates at full capacity, capable of providing end-to-end diagnosis of sickle cell anemia for unborn children of expectant mothers. Specifically, the new equipment will enable doctors diagnose a baby’s sickle cell status even before it is born, empowering parents with the ability to make informed choices concerning their child’s health.

    Prior to this, all test samples had to be taken abroad for further analysis and diagnosis after preliminary tests were conducted in Nigeria as the country lacked the capacity for such tests. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chairman MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said, “With one in four Nigerians carrying the sickle cell gene, investment in research and technology in this field ensures that the sickle cell centre continues its invaluable work of empowering our mothers and children with access to cost-effective, life-saving in-country care.”

    Adelusi-Adeluyi further stated that the foundation will continue to support the DNA Laboratory in keeping to its commitment to improve health care delivery and capacity development in Nigeria’s health sector. This is in addition to promoting other initiatives under the foundation’s mother and child cause aimed at reducing mortality rate.

    In his remarks, Chairman Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, Prof Olu Akinyanju, said MTN Foundation’s intervention was a critical step in aiding the SCFN’s efforts to provide world-class care to sickle cell patients in Nigeria and West Africa.