The plague of paternity fraud in Nigeria has become endemic. The thread of ttrust has equally become too fragile thread in many Nigerian homes – easily torn.
A 2021 report shows the wavelength and a more recent one showed how Lagos accounted for the highest percentage of tests, with 82.89 per cent of the total, followed by Oyo (3.29 per cent), Ogun (3.07 per cent), FCT (2.63 per cent), and Rivers (2.41 per cent).
The emotional toll on men discovering that a child they believed to be theirs is not is immeasurable. In Nigeria, this phenomenon is not just a rare occurrence; it’s a rising concern that demands attention.
The Roots of Paternity Fraud
Paternity fraud, the misrepresentation of a child’s biological father, stems from various motives.
Societal pressures, financial gains, and the desire to conceal infidelity are among the driving factors. According to psychologist Jude Ola, Nigeria’s cultural inclination to protect men’s reputations and stigmatization of adoption contribute to the prevalence of paternity fraud.
The Alarming Rise in Nigeria
A startling revelation from DNA expert Abiodun Salami sheds light on the magnitude of paternity misidentity. Salami asserts that a significant number of firstborns are not biologically linked to the men they call fathers, often due to women having prior relationships before marriage.
This revelation uncovers a hidden layer of complexity within family structures.
According to him:
“Most female undergraduates now have one man or another sponsoring their education aside from their fathers. These are the men that will eventually be the chairmen at their wedding.”
The Hard Truth
Increased awareness and accessibility to DNA testing in Nigeria have led to the exposure of many paternity fraud cases. Forensic pathologist Prof Igwebuike Onyiorah notes that trust issues, suspicion in relationships, and heightened awareness of scientific solutions contribute to the geometric increase in DNA testing.
He explains:
“There may also be an increase in sexual liberation in our society. People are now less afraid or ashamed to let out such family or private ills.”
Heartbreaking Stories
Tragic tales abound, such as the case of a U.S.-based man who, after conducting a DNA test in Nigeria, discovered he wasn’t the biological father of his child, leading to a fatal cardiac arrest.
Even public figures like OAP Nedu of Wazobia FM have faced the harsh reality of paternity fraud, highlighting its pervasive nature.
The Nasty Effects
The consequences of paternity fraud extend far beyond emotional distress.
Many victims suffer mental, emotional, and physical breakdowns, with reported cases of cardiac arrests, depression, and even suicide. The devastating impact underscores the urgent need for legal measures against this deceptive practice.
Why Paternity Fraud is on the Rise
1. Poor Access to Paternity Tests: The high cost of paternity tests in Nigeria deters many men from seeking verification. Ignorance and traditional beliefs that favor acknowledgment over scientific proof further contribute to this trend.
2. Pressure of a Childless Marriage: Cultural pressures on newlyweds, especially women, to prove fertility within nine months of marriage lead to desperate measures, including extramarital affairs.
3. Multiple Sexual Partners: Changing societal norms see women juggling multiple relationships, resulting in confusion about the paternity of their children.
The Power of DNA Testing
DNA paternity testing is a powerful tool, boasting 99.99 percent or higher accuracy when done correctly.
Despite its significance, accessibility remains a challenge due to the high costs associated with the tests.
A Call to Action
As paternity fraud continues to wreak havoc on lives, there is a growing call for government intervention.
Advocates emphasize the need for affordable and accessible DNA testing, coupled with strict legal consequences for offenders.
Paternity fraud is not merely a personal tragedy; it’s a societal concern that demands proactive measures.
The unraveling of family secrets through DNA testing underscores the importance of trust, transparency, and the pursuit of truth in our relationships.
In the face of this rising issue, Nigeria stands at a crossroads, calling for collective action to protect the sanctity of familial bonds.
Written by Fortune Omosola ( Fortunedexcel@gmail.com )
