Imagine these scenarios:
Mr Ade, a dedicated father, was eager to bring his son over to the UK to live with him. In order for his son to come over, the UK Home Office requested a paternity test for him to prove the child is actually his. Mr Ade confidently decided to do the test as he had no doubts. Unfortunately, the results showed that the child he cherished and raised as his own for 18 years is actually not his child. Heartbreaking right?
A man died and at his burial ceremony, an unknown woman came with a child claiming he was the son of the deceased. She argued that this child should be entitled to some of the deceased’s properties. However, the family refused to accept and the matter was taken to court where a judge ordered a compulsory DNA test. The results showed that the man was the biological father of the child. Sounds crazy right? But it happens!!
Let’s go with a more common scenario. Tunji had a short fling with a girl he met at a party; some months later, she appeared at his home informing him that she was pregnant and he was the father. This was hard for Tunji to accept because he remembered taking precautions whenever they had sex. Unfortunately, the girl was adamant and even threatened to move into his home and damage his current relationship. Luckily for him, his friend told him he could do a DNA test while the girl was still pregnant to confirm if he was the father and settle this matter once and for all. He followed through on the advice and the results showed that he is not the father. He was so happy as he could finally let go of the stressful situation and avoid the unnecessary billing of taking care of another man’s child.
These are cases of paternity fraud and it is a common thing that happens all over the world.
WHAT IS PATERNITY FRAUD?
Paternity fraud happens when a mother says a man is the father of her child, but he really isn’t. It could be by mistake or on purpose. Unfortunately, it is very common in Nigeria. In 2021, Nigeria was ranked the 2nd country with the highest rate of paternity fraud after Jamaica. Traditionally in Nigeria, the paternity of a child is commonly determined by acknowledgement and presumption especially once the presumed parents are married. Imagine thinking you’re a child’s father, only to find out later that you’re not. It can make a man feel hurt and angry which might also have an effect on the child or children in question.
HOW DO DNA TESTS REDUCE PATERNITY FRAUD?
Doing DNA tests are the best way to reduce and stop paternity fraud because they can show for sure if a man is really the father of a child. It helps avoid mistakes and unfair situations.
It compares the DNA of the man, the child, and sometimes the mother. DNA, which is like a genetic code unique to each person, is collected usually from a cheek swab. Then, scientists analyze the DNA samples to see if they match up. If the DNA matches well between the man and the child, he’s likely the father.
There are different forms of tests to do depending on your situation and they include:
- Peace of Mind Paternity Test: This test is done just for personal knowledge (just for a man to be sure he is the father) The DNA samples can be collected at home using cheek swabs and then sent to the lab. Within a few days, the results are out and it is very easy to understand.
- Legal Paternity Test: It is typically requested by government bodies like a court of law, embassies, etc. for legal purposes. This type of test is conducted under a strict chain of custody.
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test: It is the best way to determine paternity during pregnancy. This test is done using a blood sample from the mother and cheek swabs from the alleged father.
All the tests mentioned above can easily be done at Smart DNA. Our tests are known for their accuracy and reliability, providing clear results to our customers. Whether you’re seeking reassurance about paternity in a non-legal context or need conclusive evidence for legal purposes, our tests deliver dependable results. Being in a different state or country is not a barrier as we have widespread collection centres locally and internationally. All you need to do is reach out to our customer care to get started.