Nigerian DNA testing: 1 in 4 paternity tests negative – Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Nigerian DNA testing: 1 in 4 paternity tests negative

Published

on

Nigerian DNA testing: 1 in 4 paternity tests negative

Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, has released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering July 2023 to June 2024.

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

The report, made available in Lagos yesterday showed that paternity uncertainty remained high.

According to it, 27 per cent of paternity tests conducted came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.

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

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

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

On regional dominance, the report showed that Lagos dominated, a reflection of economic disparity.

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

READ ALSO:

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

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

Commenting on the report, Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, said: “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.

The statistics showed that most of the children tested were aged 0-five (54.0 per cent), suggesting a preference for early paternity confirmation.

Men aged 41+ (45.6 per cent) and 31-40 (37.0 per cent) were most likely to request tests, potentially reflective of economic capabilities or increased paternity concerns in older men.

Also, it indicated slight gender bias in Child Testing as more tests were conducted on male children (52.8 per cent) than female children (47.2 per cent), insinuating a possible cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring.

According to the report, peace of mind dominates reasons for the DNA testings as the majority of tests (85.9 per cent) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, rather than legal motivations.

Nigerian DNA testing: 1 in 4 paternity tests negative

metro

Maiduguri flood: Displaced persons return home as water recedes

Published

on

Maiduguri flood: Displaced persons return home as water recedes

Many people displaced by Alau Dam flood in Maiduguri have started leaving camps for their respective homes as the water receded in many areas of the city.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all those leaving camps are provided with two weeks of food ration and N10,000 each by the State Government which has embarked on distribution of cash and food items in the 32 camps across Maiduguri.

The flood disaster has affected nearly one million people, with around 200,000 displaced. Many residents have had to turn to boats for transportation due to the high water levels.

The flooding has also led to significant infrastructure damage, including the collapse of bridges and the flooding of hospitals and schools.

In his maiden briefing at the Flood Disaster Situation Room, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said over 30,000 households with a population of over 600,000 were registered i the camps.

Tar said that the government was committed to closing the camps within two weeks and was happy to see some people leaving after collecting their ration.

READ ALSO:

Tar said that about 40 per cent of the camps were being attended to with the cash and food palliatives by members of the flood committee.

According to him, a Rapid Assessment Team had been established with technically qualified individuals and community leaders to go round and assess damage for government support.

“The committee will go round and check the nature of destruction on homes and determine the cash equivalent of the destruction on the basis of which the government shall provide cash support to each household.

On incidents of looting in some affected areas, Tar said that security men had been mobilised with many arrests made.

He cautioned against some reported dangerous activities like consumption of dead animals, contaminated food and drugs, adding that public enlightenment was on for arrest and prosecution of those involved in the sales and distribution of contaminated items.

“On the issue of escaped animals from the Maiduguri Zoo, a team has been dispatched to trace them with many captured.

“I am happy to tell you that the Lion in the zoo survived the flood and is being rehabilitated,” the commissioner said.

Maiduguri flood: Displaced persons return home as water recedes

(NAN)

Continue Reading

metro

Ganduje not plotting to dethrone any Kano Emir – Aide

Published

on

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje

Ganduje not plotting to dethrone any Kano Emir – Aide

ABUJA: Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Chief Oliver Okpala has dispelled allegations in some quarters that his principal, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje was plotting a fresh dethronement of Emir Muhammadu Lamido Sanusi of Kano.

An online report with the headline, “Ganduje leads a fresh plot to dethrone Emir Muhammadu Sanusi” had alleged “a fresh plot” by Ganduje “to dethrone Muhammadu Sanusi as the Emir of Kano”

The report quoted “sources within the Kofar Kudu Palace, powerful individuals in Kano allegedly led by Dr Ganduje, are orchestrating the removal of the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor as the 16th Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano Council of Chiefs”

Reacting to the publication, Chief Okpala insisted that nothing could be farther from the truth about the claims, reiterating that Dr Ganduje has nothing to do with the allegation of a fresh plot to dethrone Emir Muhammadu Sanusi.

Okpala said Ganduje was no longer the Governor of Kano state, neither is he the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and could not be linked to any fresh plot or plan to dethrone or enthrone anyone as Emir of Kano.

“It should be made categorically clear that Dr Ganduje has nothing to do with the present enthronement or dethronement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi in Kano state.

READ ALSO:

“It should be noted that Dr Ganduje is no longer the Executive Governor of Kano state or the speaker of the Kano state House of Assembly and therefore cannot have anything to do further with the Emirship of Kano.

“It is laughable that Dr Ganduje who has left office as Governor for some years now would be accused of masterminding a fresh plot to remove or enthrone an Emir.

“According to the publication, Ganduje is not only alleged to be plotting to remove Emir Sanusi, they said he is also plotting to advise Alhaji Ado Bayero to abdicate his throne as Emir of Kano for peace to reign. This is, to say the least preposterous and absurd.

“It must be made clear that Dr Ganduje has led and governed Kano state creditably and since moved on, focusing on other more important national issues, as he leads Nigeria’s governing party, the APC.

Continue Reading

metro

Yobe man murders business partner over N500,000 debt

Published

on

Yobe man murders business partner over N500,000 debt

A 24-year-old man from Yobe State has been arrested for allegedly murdering a business associate over a debt of N500,000.

Police say Yunus Isa killed Lawan Adamu, also 28, in Damaturu, the state capital, after failing to repay the money. The two men were traders dealing in engine oil and other lubricants.

Isa had reportedly borrowed the sum under false pretences, claiming it was to open a new outlet with a profit-sharing agreement. However, he is said to have used the money to fund his marriage instead.

READ ALSO:

When Adamu repeatedly demanded the repayment of the loan, Isa allegedly lured him to a remote area on 15 September, where he fatally stabbed him.

Yobe State Police spokesperson, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed Isa’s arrest, stating that after initial denials, Isa confessed to the crime under interrogation. He added that the swift resolution of the case underscores the police’s commitment to public safety.

Yobe man murders business partner over N500,000 debt

Continue Reading

Trending