Smart DNA Sheds Light on Child Paternity Fraud in Nigeria

Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, Wednesday, issued data analysis showing Lagos accounts for the highest percentage of tests with 82.89 per cent.

This result was contained in a comprehensive data analysis of all relationship DNA tests conducted at its facility between 1st July 2022 and 30th June 2023.

This report, based on thousands of users, provides an unprecedented insight into the DNA testing trends across Nigeria.

It reveals startling findings about the reasons people seek testing, the demographics of those tested, and the outcomes of the tests.

Among the key findings are Lagos accounted for the highest percentage of tests, with 82.89 per cent of the total, followed by Oyo, with 3.29 per cent.

Ogun state accounted for 3.07 per cent, FCT 2.63 per cent and Rivers for 2.41 per cent.

The report shows that this heavy concentration in Lagos, particularly the Mainland with 68.14 per cent, compared to the Island, which has 31.86 per cent.

“This is likely due to the location of Smart DNA’s office in Lagos, the purchasing power of the state’s residents, and the high population density of the state,” it stated.

89.10 per cent were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, followed by ‘Immigration’ with 8.97 per cent, and ‘Legal’ with 0.64 per cent.

This test type, as noted in the report, suggests that individuals primarily seek DNA testing to confirm biological relationships for personal reasons rather than legal or immigration purposes.

According to the report, men were the predominant initiators of contact, making up 86.44 per cent of the first contacts, compared to 13.56 per cent made by women.

This outcome indicates that men are more likely to doubt paternity or other relationships and take the initiative to seek testing.

Positive results indicating that the man tested is the biological father of the child accounted for 73.88 per cent of tests, while negative results made up 26.12 per cent.

“In most cases, the men seeking testing are the biological fathers. In more than one in four cases, the tested father is not the child’s biological father,” the report emphasised.

The report also finds Yoruba ethnic groups had the highest percentage of tests with 61.23 per cent, followed by Igbo with 19.07 per cent.

Other ethnic groups comprised 12.08 per cent, and Edo accounted for 6.78 per cent. “This may be reflective of the ethnic distribution in Lagos and the surrounding areas,” is stated.

In child sex, 56.62 per cent of tests were conducted on male children compared to female children, 43.38 per cent.

While noting that this result may suggest a cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring, it says further research would be needed to confirm this hypothesis.

“58.02 per cent of tests were conducted on children aged zero to five years, followed by the six to 12 age group accounting for 25.95 per cent.

“This indicates that paternity tests are mostly done on children when younger rather than when they get older,” the report emphasised.

Meanwhile, men between ages 31 to 40 were 40 per cent, and 41 to 50 accounted for 23 per cent who conducted the most DNA tests.

The report noted: “This age group is likely to have young children and may be in a financial position to afford the testing.”

Smart DNA, however, expressed commitment to providing fully accredited DNA testing services to clients with the highest international standards.

It says this report aims to shed light on the current trends in relationship DNA testing in Nigeria, contributing to a better understanding of this critical aspect of our society.