The issue of paternity fraud in Nigeria remains a hot topic on social media, as it has devastating consequences for men who are often advised to suppress their pain and emotions, leading to unresolved trauma. In contrast, society tends to focus on supporting women through heartbreak and emotional distress.
### What Is Paternity Fraud?
Paternity fraud occurs when a woman falsely claims that a man is the biological father of her child, leading him to believe he fathered the child. This deception can stem from various motivations, including financial gain, social status, fear, shame, and stigma.
Paternity fraud not only shatters trust in relationships or marriages but also profoundly affects the lives of innocent children, especially adults.
According to statistics, three out of ten men in Nigeria are victims of paternity fraud, making the country second only to Jamaica in paternity fraud cases.
### A Case of Paternity Fraud
In 2019, Nigerian media personality Nedu Chinedu Ani, known as Nedu, discovered through a DNA test that the child he had nurtured for years was not his biological offspring. Amid the ensuing controversy, Nedu’s ex-wife, Uzoamaka Ohiri, claimed she did not intentionally deceive him and was unaware that the child was not his. She maintained that she had not cheated on Nedu during their marriage but had been in a relationship before meeting him.
Following several online stories about paternity fraud, some Nigerians have recommended that DNA tests be conducted immediately after childbirth, alongside other necessary tests. On-Air Personality Oladotun Kayode, also known as Do2dtun, supported this notion, suggesting on X that DNA testing should be a standard procedure at birth to prevent trust issues later on.
In an exclusive interview with Naija News, Nigerian lawyer Barrister Ehis Okoebor confirmed that there is no criminal conviction for paternity fraud in Nigeria, despite several high-profile cases. He noted that paternity fraud could only be prosecuted if connected with criminal deceit or breach of trust.
“There is no record of a criminal conviction for paternity fraud in Nigeria,” Ehis said. “However, there have been cases where high-profile men disclosed that they are not the biological fathers of the children they raised. While the act of a woman having multiple sexual partners is regarded as adultery and cheating, it is not considered a criminal offense under matrimonial laws. What she did is morally wrong but not legally wrong. For example, in Nedu’s case, no one was convicted, and he did not pursue legal damages.”
Ehis suggested that paternity fraud should be addressed under laws relating to criminal deceit or breach of trust, allowing affected men to seek redress in criminal or civil courts for emotional or financial suffering.
### Addressing Paternity Fraud
Given that Nigerian legal frameworks do not specifically address paternity fraud, it is challenging for victims to seek justice. To curb this issue, the following approaches are recommended:
1. **Public Awareness**: Educational campaigns and public discussions are needed to highlight the emotional and social consequences of paternity fraud.
2. **Legal Reforms**: The Nigerian legislature should consider enacting laws to address paternity fraud and provide guidelines for victims to seek redress.
3. **Access to DNA Testing**: Promoting access to affordable and accurate DNA testing facilities can help individuals confirm paternity more easily. The average cost of a DNA test in Nigeria ranges from N210,000 to N1,400,000.
4. **Support for Children**: Adequate psychological support systems should be in place to assist children affected by paternity fraud.
By implementing these measures, Nigeria can better address the issue of paternity fraud and provide support for its victims.