A Magistrate Court in Lagos’ Ikorodu region has directed that Wunmi, the wife of the late musician Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, be served with notice of a pending DNA test application via alternative methods.
A declaration signed by a member of the legal team to the Aloba family, Monisola Odumosu, revealed this on Wednesday, claiming that the order was necessary after the court sheriff attempted to serve the court process on Wunmi twice but failed.
It should be noted that the Aloba family is contesting the paternity of baby Liam and has filed an application with the Family Court to require Wunmi to produce herself and baby Liam for a DNA test at any recognized laboratory in Lagos.
In the application filed by the legal team to Joseph Aloba, the late singer’s father, the family requested an order to serve Wunmi with court papers for the DNA by posting all of the originating procedures and additional processes in the matter at the respondent’s last known address.
Odumosu stated, “If the process were served on the respondent’s last known address by court order, it would constitute good service, and she would be aware of the pending suit. The Chief Magistrate issued the judgment and directed that the respondent be served by posting the court process to her last known address.
According to the statement, the singer’s wife stated in a viral video that she was prepared for a DNA test, but that she had never been available for the court sheriff to serve her with the originating action.
Odumosu further stated that the matter has been postponed until next month for the report of service.
Taiwo Olawanle, Wunmi’s counsel, has denied knowledge of the court order.
He replied, “We don’t have the court order. If we have an order, we will instruct her to follow it. That’s not an issue. But we’re not aware of any orders.”
Mohbad, 27, died on September 12, 2023, in disputed circumstances. He departed his musical company, Marlian Music, founded by Naira Marley, in February 2022.
In September 2023, the singer’s body was exhumed for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
In September, the Lagos State Police Command established a 13-man special investigative team to look into the singer’s death.
His death also resulted in the arrest of Naira Marley and controversial Lagos socialite Balogun Eletu, commonly known as Sam Larry, among others.
Dr Richard Somiari, Director of the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, stated during the final Coroner’s Inquiry into the Cause of His Death in March 2024 that the results of an autopsy performed on the deceased body will be ready in the next three to four weeks.
Somiari made the assurance when testifying before the coroner, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi.
