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One in four tested Nigerian men not biological father – DNA report
One in four tested Nigerian men not biological father – DNA report
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 27% in 2024 to 25% 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,” Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA Nigeria said.
One of the most jarring revelations in this year’s report is the disproportionate rate of paternity rejection among firstborn sons.
A staggering 64% 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.
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Beyond family drama, Nigeria’s current mass emigration movement—popularly dubbed the “Japa” wave—has triggered a 13.1% 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.”
Men remain overwhelmingly at the center of the paternity inquiry ecosystem, accounting for 88.2% 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 45.5% 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 (58.6%) 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: 53.8% of those tested were male, highlighting an enduring bias toward confirming male lineage. This may be rooted in traditional views that prioritize the male child in matters of succession and family identity.
While Lagos continues to lead in testing volume with 69% 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%), Yaba (15.8%), Ajah and Ikorodu (10.5% each), and Surulere and Ikeja (9% each).
Ethnic representation within the data offers another layer of complexity. Yoruba clients made up 53% of all testing cases, followed by Igbo clients at 31.3%. Surprisingly, Hausa participation remains minimal at 1.2%, despite their significant population nationally. This disparity may reflect cultural taboos, religious sensitivities, or lower awareness and acceptance of DNA testing in Northern Nigeria.
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The new data also showed that most tests are quiet, personal – and not legally driven. This means that the vast majority of tests—83.7%—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% of cases. Equally telling is that 80% 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 normalize 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 deliver answers, but to handle them with the compassion and confidentiality our clients deserve,” Digia concluded.
One in four tested Nigerian men not biological father – DNA report
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How Nigerians Can Get Federal High Court Affidavit Online Without Visiting Court
How Nigerians Can Get Federal High Court Affidavit Online Without Visiting Court
Nigerians can now apply for and obtain eligible Federal High Court affidavits online without necessarily visiting a court premises, through the court’s Electronic Court Management System (ECMS) e-Affidavit Portal.
The digital service allows applicants to create an account, complete an affidavit application, upload required documents, make payment and, after the application has been processed, download the completed electronic affidavit.
The Federal High Court of Nigeria introduced the e-Affidavit service as part of its efforts to make access to court services easier and reduce the need for physical visits for eligible affidavit applications.
The service covers several common affidavit needs, including change of name, correction of name, declaration of age, correction of date of birth, loss of documents, change of signature, next of kin, marriage-related declarations, banking matters and general-purpose affidavits.
However, applicants should note that the exact requirements and oath-taking procedure can vary depending on the type of affidavit and the relevant Federal High Court division.
How to Get a Federal High Court Affidavit Online
Applicants can follow these steps:
1. Create an account
Visit the official Federal High Court e-Affidavit portal and create an account.
Applicants will be required to provide basic personal information, including their name, telephone number, date of birth and email address, and create a password.
The email address and other details supplied should be accurate because they may be used for communication about the application.
2. Log in and complete your profile
After registration, log into the portal and complete the required applicant profile.
The system may request information including residential address, occupation, town, state and country of origin, gender, religion and date of birth.
Applicants should ensure that the information supplied is accurate and consistent with their identification documents.
3. Select the type of affidavit
Select the e-Affidavit option and choose the type of affidavit required.
Depending on the available categories, applicants may apply for documents relating to change of name, declaration of age, correction of date of birth, loss of documents, change of signature, next of kin, marriage, banking and other general declarations.
4. Select the Federal High Court division
Choose the appropriate Federal High Court division for the application.
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Applicants should take care when selecting the division because the relevant court location may affect how the application is processed and whether additional steps are required.
5. Complete the affidavit form
Fill in the electronic form with the information required for the particular affidavit.
For example, someone applying for an affidavit concerning correction of date of birth may be asked to provide the incorrect date, the correct date and the reason for the correction.
Applicants should ensure that names, dates and other details are correctly entered before moving to the next stage.
6. Upload the required documents
Upload the documents requested by the portal.
These may include a recent passport photograph, valid means of identification and signature, depending on the type of affidavit.
Acceptable identification may include documents such as a National Identification Number (NIN) document, international passport, driver’s licence or voter’s card, subject to the requirements displayed on the portal.
Applicants should ensure that uploaded files meet the portal’s size and format requirements.
7. Preview and check the application
Before submitting the application, use the preview function to carefully review all the information supplied.
Check the spelling of names, dates of birth, addresses, identification details, selected affidavit type and court division.
This stage is important because an error submitted on an affidavit application could affect the final document.
8. Accept the terms and submit
After reviewing the application, accept the relevant terms and conditions and provide the required consent for processing of personal information.
The application can then be submitted through the portal.
9. Pay the applicable fee
Proceed to payment after submitting the application.
The portal provides electronic payment options, including Paystack and Remita.
The applicable fee depends on the affidavit or service selected. Applicants should therefore rely on the amount displayed on the official portal at the time of application rather than unofficial fee figures circulating online.
The court’s portal states that payments are final, non-refundable and non-transferable.
10. Complete the oath-taking requirement
After payment, the application goes through the court’s processing and verification procedure.
Depending on the affidavit and the relevant court division, the applicant may be required to complete an oath-taking process.
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The Federal High Court’s information on the e-Affidavit system indicates that oath-taking arrangements can vary by division and may involve a virtual or physical process.
Applicants should therefore follow any specific instruction issued for their application rather than assume that every affidavit can be completed entirely online.
11. Monitor the application
Applicants should regularly check their account and registered email address for updates.
The court may query an application and request additional information or documents.
Where an application is queried, applicants are required to respond within the stipulated period. The portal indicates a 72-hour period for responding to queries.
Failure to respond or complete a required payment within the prescribed period may result in the application being deleted, requiring the applicant to start the process again.
12. Download the completed affidavit
Once the application has been approved and the affidavit completed, the applicant can download the electronic affidavit through the portal.
A copy is also sent to the applicant’s registered email address.
The electronically issued affidavit contains verification features, including a unique barcode and reference number, which can be used to confirm its authenticity.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
Applicants should carefully check their information before making payment because the court states that payments are not refundable or transferable.
They should also keep their application reference details and the electronic copy of the completed affidavit in a secure location.
An affidavit should not be altered after it has been issued. The court warns that falsifying, altering or misusing an affidavit is a criminal offence and may have legal consequences.
Applicants should also understand that an e-Affidavit does not automatically replace every affidavit required in a legal proceeding. Where an affidavit is being prepared for a specific court case or legal transaction, the applicant may need additional legal guidance.
Anyone uncertain about the appropriate affidavit, wording, supporting documents or court division should consider consulting a qualified legal practitioner before submitting the application.
The Federal High Court’s e-Affidavit platform is designed to make the process of obtaining eligible affidavits more convenient by allowing applicants to complete significant parts of the process electronically.
For applicants whose particular affidavit qualifies for the online service, the process can therefore be handled through the portal from registration and application to payment, processing and electronic retrieval, subject to any oath-taking or other requirement imposed by the relevant court division.
How Nigerians Can Get Federal High Court Affidavit Online Without Visiting Court
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Plateau Violence: Several Killed as Fresh Attacks Trigger Mass Exodus
Plateau Violence: Several Killed as Fresh Attacks Trigger Mass Exodus
Fresh violence in Plateau State has left several people dead in separate attacks across Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Riyom, with renewed gunfire forcing women and children to leave parts of Barkin Ladi for safer locations.
The latest wave of violence began with an attack on a vegetable market in Mangu Local Government Area, where gunmen opened fire on a vehicle leaving the market on Friday night.
The attack, which occurred at about 8 p.m. as traders and buyers were preparing to close for the day, triggered panic and a stampede as people fled in different directions.
Three people — two women and a young man — were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries. Those with serious injuries were taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for treatment.
However, another report put the death toll from the market attack at five, leaving some uncertainty over the final casualty figure.
The attack came amid heightened security concerns in Mangu, where several communities have experienced deadly attacks in recent weeks.
The situation worsened in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where residents of Dorowa Bubuje reported hearing sustained gunfire from the direction of Kantoma.
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The gunfire created panic and prompted the evacuation of women and children from vulnerable parts of the community.
Residents reportedly began moving away from areas considered exposed to possible attacks, while security personnel were deployed to the community.
The fresh tension followed another series of deadly attacks reported in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Five passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi were reportedly attacked on Saturday night. The victims were said to be travelling as labourers, with five bodies later recovered from the area.
Two other people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while travelling to church at Dorowa Babuje on Sunday morning.
A woman was also reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in Fan District.
Several cattle were also reportedly killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis, further increasing tensions in the affected communities.
The latest incidents came against the background of a series of attacks in Plateau in which both farmers and herders have suffered casualties.
Earlier in September, community leaders reported that three herders were killed and about 50 cattle were shot dead during an attack on a grazing area in Aloghom, Mangu LGA.
Another herder and 18 cattle were reportedly killed in a separate incident around Nyerwe in Barkin Ladi.
Security forces have continued operations in the affected areas.
The Nigerian Army previously reported the arrest of three suspects following the killing of 17-year-old Peter Gyang at Kafi-Abu village in Barkin Ladi.
The suspects were arrested during a military operation in an area believed to have been used by the attackers. Their alleged involvement, however, remained subject to investigation.
The Army’s General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Maj. Gen. Williams Dangana, also visited communities affected by the violence and appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory attacks.
Another separate attack was reported around Kassa in Barkin Ladi, where five Fulani men were reportedly killed after their vehicle came under attack while they were travelling towards a cattle market in Jos South.
The victims were identified as Buhari Yusuf, Aminu Ahmad, Nasiru Abdullahi, Gambo Abubakar and Muhammad Abdul Rahman.
A Fulani association alleged that the vehicle was ambushed by people it described as Berom militias and called for an investigation by the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies.
The association also appealed to members of the Fulani community to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
The allegation concerning the identity of the attackers in the Kassa incident has not been independently established by security authorities.
The separate attacks have highlighted the continuing cycle of communal violence in Plateau State, where longstanding tensions involving land, farming, grazing, communal disputes and reprisals have repeatedly resulted in deaths and displacement.
Community representatives have called for stronger and sustained security deployments, while security agencies have urged residents to provide credible information and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
With residents fleeing some affected areas, the immediate concern remains the protection of civilians and prevention of further attacks or retaliatory violence.
Authorities are expected to investigate the separate incidents, identify those responsible and strengthen security around communities considered vulnerable to further violence in Plateau State.
Plateau Violence: Several Killed as Fresh Attacks Trigger Mass Exodus
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Lagos Mechanic Lured With Mercedes Repair Job, Hacked to Death in Bush
Lagos Mechanic Lured With Mercedes Repair Job, Hacked to Death in Bush
A mechanic identified as Samson has allegedly been lured to his death in the Abijo area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, after receiving a request to repair a Mercedes-Benz.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, September 15, after Samson, who operated a mechanic workshop around Warike Estate, left his workshop to attend to the vehicle repair request.
According to reports, the mechanic was contacted by people who claimed they needed his services to fix a Mercedes-Benz. He reportedly travelled to the location expecting to carry out a routine repair job.
However, he was allegedly taken into a nearby bush after arriving at the location, where he was reportedly hacked to death.
The circumstances surrounding the incident have raised concerns because Samson was said to have left his regular workplace in response to what appeared to be an ordinary request for his professional services.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that the matter had been reported and said an investigation was underway.
Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said Samson’s family initially reported that they could no longer account for his whereabouts.
Following the report, detectives visited his apartment as part of efforts to establish his movements and determine what happened to him.
The police also began efforts to track Samson’s mobile phone, hoping that the location data and other evidence could help investigators reconstruct his movements after he left for the supposed repair job.
A police source said the investigation was aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and identifying those responsible.
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The source also indicated that suspected cult members were believed to be connected with the attack.
However, the alleged cult connection and the motive for the killing have not been conclusively established by the police.
An anti-cultism advocacy platform separately alleged that Samson’s death could have been linked to an earlier cult-related killing in the Ibeju-Lekki area.
The platform claimed that a man identified as Ola Sheu, whom it described as a member of the Eiye confraternity, was killed around Adeba Bus Stop in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, on September 9.
It further alleged that Sheu was killed by members of the NBM, also known as Aye, and that Samson was subsequently targeted in what may have been a retaliatory attack.
According to the advocacy platform, a graduation photograph allegedly showing Samson wearing a beret associated with the Aye group was circulated and may have exposed him to people involved in the alleged cult rivalry.
The claim remains an allegation and has not been independently established as the motive for Samson’s disappearance or reported death.
Police investigators are expected to establish whether the Mercedes-Benz repair request was genuine, who contacted Samson, where he was taken after arriving at the location and who was responsible for the alleged attack.
They are also expected to determine whether the incident was connected to the alleged cult dispute or resulted from another motive.
The case has also drawn attention to the security risks faced by mechanics, artisans and other service providers who respond to jobs at unfamiliar locations.
Such workers often travel alone to customers’ homes, workshops, roadside locations or other places to provide services, making it difficult for relatives or colleagues to immediately know where they are when something goes wrong.
For now, no suspect has been publicly identified by the police in connection with the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Samson’s disappearance and reported killing and determine who was behind the attack.
Further information from the police is expected as the investigation progresses.
Lagos Mechanic Lured With Mercedes Repair Job, Hacked to Death in Bush
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