Businessman Tunde Ayeni has questioned the authenticity of a DNA test report presented by his former lover, Abuja-based lawyer Adaobi Alagwu, which allegedly confirms his paternity of her child.
The former chairman of Skye Bank Plc has been embroiled in a paternity dispute with Ms Alagwu, who claims they dated in 2019 and that she gave birth to his child in the United States in 2022. Ayeni has vehemently denied the allegations, insisting he has no connection to the child.
The disputed DNA test, conducted at DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) in London on April 11, 2023, reportedly attributed a “99.9999997% probability of paternity” to Mr Ayeni.
According to the report, “the alleged father is not excluded as the biological father of the tested child,” adding that the probability was calculated using data from the Black population.
Ayeni, however, dismissed the test results as unreliable.
“This document does not reflect the genuine results we expected. It became necessary to address this matter publicly due to the inconsistencies we observed during the testing process,” he said in a press statement.
He alleged irregularities in the process, including an unexplained extension of the result delivery date and unauthorised access to email accounts linked to the testing laboratory.
“Upon contacting the centre directly, we were informed that they had no knowledge of the letter or the individual who signed it. This raised significant concerns about the integrity of the process,” Ayeni explained.
He revealed that he proposed a second test from another facility, which Alagwu declined.
Ayeni has taken the case to an Abuja Customary Court, where he is challenging the paternity claim.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Ayeni’s counsel, Silas Onu, withdrew an earlier suit due to improper service. A fresh petition has since been filed and served to Alagwu.
Respondent’s counsel confirmed receipt of the new petition and apologized for Alagwu’s absence in court, stating they were within time to file a defence.
During the hearing, the court confirmed that funds paid by Ayeni to Alagwu’s family had been refunded. The case was adjourned to February 17 for further hearing, with the court emphasizing the need for all submissions to be filed before the next session.
Speaking after the proceedings, Ayeni described the allegations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.
“The matter is about one rabble-rouser girl trying to malign me that she has a child for me. Initially, when I thought it was real, I took responsible steps. But later, I discovered that it was all a setup,” Ayeni said.
He added, “The money I paid because of the child has been returned. I just want a clear record to make it convincingly and unambiguously clear that there is no connection between me and the lady. She’s a gold digger, but this time, she has met the wrong person.”
