From recent experiences and research that made the headlines in Nigeria, paternity fraud is closer to you than you can imagine. That is why we are sharing 10 lessons you can learn from infamous celebrity paternity frauds for you to be more aware and always double sure.
A research feature in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health puts the rates for incidents of paternity fraud range anywhere between 0.8 percent to 30 per cent, with a median of 3.7 per cent, across the world. Just so you know how serious it can get.
As a man or father, can you imagine waking up one morning to discover that the children you raised and provided for are not yours? Or, what if you wake up to the news that you had a child with someone who now demands payment for child support after achieving success and becoming famous?
It happens, it’s not new, and neither is it rare.
Paternity fraud occurs when a mother incorrectly names a man as her child’s biological father. The mother is often aware or has suspicions that the man is not the father of her child. The man is usually recorded as the father on the birth certificate form, and the deception typically goes undiscovered for years. If the couple divorces, the man may be required to pay child support for years.
Common Causes of Paternity Fraud in Nigeria?
Desperation, survival, financial crime schemes, fame or publicity, revenge, etc. Infidelity and intent make paternity fraud different from other misattributed paternity cases.
A typical example was a confession from an East African nurse who intentionally swapped babies for fun. In such a situation, such women will be vindicated because they are innocent.
In the past, TV shows like The Maury Povich Show and Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court were the main shows that brought such cases to the limelight. However, recent cases of paternity fraud have become popular globally and even in Nigeria.
These highlights the top ten paternity fraud cases in Nigeria and abroad and some lessons you can learn from them.
The Adam Nuru Scandal
The Adam Nuru paternity fraud scandal was widespread news that stirred up many reactions in Nigeria between December 2020 and January 2021. The story focused on a famous brand’s managing director, a subordinate female staff member, her husband, and their two children.
This scandal was particularly intense because it involved a sex scandal in the Nigerian banking sector that is mostly conservative. Unfortunately, the alleged victim lost his life as a result of this scandal. This story is an eye-opener to the fact that paternity fraud is more devastating than the benign situation society and the law portray it to be.
Nedu’s Paternity Scandal
The popular OAP, talk show host and comedian, Chinedue Emmanuel (aka Nedu of Wazobia FM), was recently involved in a paternity fraud scandal that was revealed shortly after the Adam Nuru’s case. There were serious allegations of domestic violence and infidelity flying around both Nedu and his ex wife confirmed that a DNA test result stated that the chances of Nedu being the father if their first child was zero, despite the child being born during the period during which they were married.
Nedu’s paternity scandal confirmed another infamous statistic that stated that in most marriages, firstborn children are usually of a different father. This is another reason Nigerians should take the Peace of Mind DNA test more seriously to avert situations like this.
Pretty Mike’s Paternity Fraud Scandal
Pretty Mike (Mike Eze-Nwalie Nwogu) was once falsely accused of being the father of a child. He told the story of how he was exploited to gain custody of the child and how the child ultimately proved not to be his.
Pretty Mike’s paternity scandal would not have gone past the publicity it received, as he accepted to be the father despite his doubts. Most marital and child support laws are usually in the children’s best interests, so this story shows the importance of taking accurate DNA tests and double checking when necessary.
Singer Tope Alabi’s Paternity Dispute
In November 2020, gospel singer Tope Alabi’s daughter Ayomikun became embroiled in a controversy when it was revealed that a man named Mayegun Olaoye claimed to be her biological father. The singer and her husband, Soji, failed to respond to the paternity fraud allegations, but Ayomikun confirmed them.
She attested to being aware that Olaoye is her biological father but does not reckon with him as the only father she knows is Soji Alabi. This case’s outcome is different from many other similar paternity disputes and indicates that paternity fraud can be survived with proper understanding within the family.
Some International Celebrity Paternity Scandals
Chris Rock Paternity Allegations
In 2007, Kali Bowyer sued comedian Chris Rock for child support, claiming that he was the father of her then-13-year-old son. As requested from a law court by Chris Rock, a DNA test later revealed that he was not the boy’s father. Interestingly, Chris’ wife then supported him as they both asked the court to help them establish paternity and put the harassment to rest. This case indicates that being innocent alone doesn’t get you off the hook, especially if you’re famous.
Michael Jordan Paternity Lawsuit
In 2013, Pamela Smith filed a paternity suit claiming that she had had a son for NBA all-star Michael Jordan after their encounter in the late 1980s. However, a divorce-court filing revealed that the boy’s biological father was Smith’s ex-husband, and the suit was eventually thrown out of court. Smith had to pay Jordan’s legal fees for making false claims. The DNA test also saved Jordan.
Justin Bieber Paternity Lawsuit
In 2011, a woman claimed to have given birth to Justin Bieber’s baby after reportedly saying she had intercourse with the star in the bathroom. Her claim that he was the father of her 3-month-old son was later dropped after Justin agreed to do the DNA test. Another classic move to cash out from the famous and wealthy. The DNA paternity test is a tool, guys; use it.
Anna Nichole Smith Paternity Dispute
Anne’s case is that of a late model who pits two men against themselves in a battle for the paternal rights of her daughter when she denies the birth father the paternal rights to her child by naming her friend as the child’s father on the birth certificate.
After her demise, a DNA test proved that her ex-boyfriend, Larry Birkhead, was the birth father, and he was awarded full custody of the child. The lesson learned here is that paternal fraud can be executed reversely and still cause damage to the victims. As a man, you could be your child’s birth father and still be denied parental rights if you don’t fight for them.
Jay Z Alleged Secret Son
In early 2015, rumors circulated that Jay Z may be the father of Rymir Satterthwaite, a man who later filed a paternity suit against him. Jay Z is yet to take a DNA test, and the case was settled out of court. Rymir’s family reportedly wanted the case over and was willing to accept a settlement to cover legal fees and medical costs.
Keanu Reaves Paternity Suit
Keanu Reaves almost got stuck in the paternity fraud matrix when a Canadian woman, Karen Sala, accused the actor, Keanu Reeves of fathering all four of her adult children. She claimed that he disguised himself as her husband to sleep with her.
A DNA test proved that Keanu had fathered none of the woman’s children, and the case was dismissed. Once again, a DNA test saves the day.
From the above paternity fraud, scandals and allegations, you’ll realize how easy men could be victims of paternity fraud as, for a long time, all it took to be a child’s father was to be identified by the child’s mother.
These situations can be prevented by conducting a DNA test whenever such allegations arise. Are you currently in a paternity fraud hassle and need to discreetly resolve the issue?
Then look no further, Lynx DNA Laboratory is here to make all your doubts on paternity disappear. We are accredited by the GENETICA DNA Laboratories and DNA Diagnostic Center (DDC) in the United States to provide rapid, accurate, and affordable DNA testing through our offices in key cities throughout the country.
You can reach us on; +2349010001992 or +2349010001990
Website: www.lynxlaboratories.com.ng
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Office Address – 9B, James oluleye Crescent, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
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