Lately, Nigeria has seen an alarming rise in instances of paternity fraud, a phenomenon the place males are misled into believing they’re the organic fathers of youngsters who will not be theirs.
This difficulty, as soon as thought-about a personal and considerably uncommon prevalence, is now rising as a big social disaster with far-reaching implications for households, authorized techniques, and societal values.
Paternity fraud in Nigeria is changing into more and more prevalent, with some stories suggesting that as much as 27 p.c of males who endure paternity testing uncover they don’t seem to be the organic fathers of their youngsters. This determine, whereas tough to confirm because of the delicate nature of the problem, highlights a rising disaster that cuts throughout varied social strata, from the poor to the prosperous.
DNA Centre Sheds Mild On Little one Paternity Fraud In Nigeria
Some of the troubling features of paternity fraud is that it usually stays undiscovered till years after the kid’s delivery, typically surfacing throughout medical emergencies, divorce proceedings, or when males determine to take DNA exams out of curiosity or suspicion.
A number of components contribute to the rise of paternity fraud in Nigeria. One key issue is the societal strain on girls to bear youngsters, notably male heirs, which may lead some to have interaction in misleading practices in the event that they face fertility challenges or concern stigmatization for being childless.
Cultural practices and gender dynamics additionally play important roles. In a society the place male youngsters are sometimes valued extra extremely, and the place girls’s financial safety is usually tied to childbearing, the strain to provide a male inheritor may be overwhelming. Some girls might resort to paternity fraud to keep up their marriage or safe monetary assist.
Additionally, infidelity is one other contributing issue. In instances the place a girl engages in extramarital affairs, the paternity of a kid is likely to be questioned, resulting in potential instances of paternity fraud if the true organic father is completely different from the presumed father.
The Good DNA’s 2024 report launched just lately revealed that one in 4 males examined for DNA weren’t the organic fathers of their youngsters as 27 p.c of paternity exams carried out have been destructive.
The report, protecting July 2023 to June 2024. unveiled a number of startling findings that make clear societal dynamics, financial components, and altering household buildings within the nation.
In line with the report, 27 p.c of paternity exams carried out got here again destructive, indicating that a couple of in 4 males examined weren’t the organic fathers of the youngsters in query. This statistic underscores the prevalence of paternity uncertainty in Nigerian society.
The report famous a big improve in DNA exams for immigration functions, rising greater than another take a look at sort, saying this surge aligns with the continued “Japa” phenomenon, as extra Nigerians search alternatives overseas. The pattern suggests a rising variety of mother and father with twin citizenship are processing paperwork for his or her youngsters’s emigration.
Revealing the financial disparity, the report exhibits that an awesome 73.1 p.c of all DNA exams have been carried out in Lagos, with a stark divide between Mainland (67.5%) and Island (32.5%). This focus highlights the financial divide inside Lagos and throughout Nigeria, elevating questions on entry to such providers in different elements of the nation.
On gender imbalance in take a look at initiation, the report revealed that males initiated a staggering 88.2 p.c of all take a look at requests, in comparison with simply 11.8 p.c by girls. This important disparity raises questions on gender roles, belief points in relationships, and societal pressures on paternity certainty.
The report additionally confirmed the ethnic distribution because the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 p.c of exams, adopted by Igbo 31.3 p.c with Hausa at just one.20 p.c. This distribution, which doesn’t align with nationwide ethnic demographics, ought to immediate discussions about cultural attitudes in the direction of paternity testing and genetic science throughout completely different Nigerian ethnicities, the report advised.
Most examined youngsters have been aged 0-5 (54.0%), suggesting a desire for early paternity affirmation. Males aged 41+ (45.6%) and 31-40 (37.0%) have been most certainly to request exams, doubtlessly reflective of financial capabilities or elevated paternity considerations in older males, the report acknowledged whereas additionally revealing a slight gender bias in youngster testing: “Extra exams have been carried out on male youngsters (52.8%) than feminine youngsters (47.2%), hinting at a attainable cultural desire for confirming paternity of male offspring.”
On the explanations for the testing, the report confirmed that the overwhelming majority of exams (85.9%) have been carried out for ‘Peace of Thoughts’, highlighting the private slightly than authorized motivations behind most DNA testing in Nigeria.
“These findings provide a novel window into the altering dynamics of Nigerian households and society” mentioned the operations supervisor at Good DNA, Elizabeth Digia.
“The excessive price of destructive paternity exams and the surge in immigration-related testing are notably noteworthy. They replicate broader societal traits that advantage additional dialogue and analysis.
“The focus of testing in Lagos additionally raises essential questions on accessibility and consciousness of DNA testing providers throughout Nigeria. As an organization, we’re dedicated to increasing entry to our providers nationwide whereas sustaining the very best requirements of accuracy and confidentiality, she added.
The authorized implications of paternity fraud are advanced and far-reaching. In Nigeria, there isn’t a particular legislation addressing paternity fraud, leaving affected males with restricted authorized recourse. Though males who uncover they don’t seem to be the organic fathers of their youngsters can search redress in court docket, the outcomes are sometimes unsure and will not adequately deal with the emotional and monetary toll on the victims.
A authorized practitioner, Barr. Tony Obiora, mentioned addressing paternity fraud in Nigeria requires a multifaceted strategy. “First, there’s a want for larger public consciousness in regards to the prevalence and penalties of paternity fraud. Instructional campaigns will help dispel the stigma related to infertility and encourage sincere communication inside marriages.
“Secondly, authorized reforms are important to guard the rights of males and kids affected by paternity fraud. This might embody the introduction of legal guidelines that present clear pointers for addressing paternity disputes and providing enough treatments for victims.
“Thirdly, the provision of DNA testing must be expanded and made extra inexpensive. DNA testing is an important instrument in establishing paternity and will help stop fraudulent claims. Encouraging using DNA testing earlier than a person is listed as the daddy on delivery certificates might be a safety measure.”
He additionally confused the necessity for social assist techniques that present counseling and mediation providers for households affected by paternity fraud, saying these providers will help mitigate the emotional injury and assist the rebuilding of belief and relationships.
