In a dramatic twist to a high-profile paternity dispute, a Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki’s application to block the release of a DNA test result. Naija247news reports that the ruling has intensified the legal battle between Turaki and a woman who claims he fathered her child.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the ex-minister had filed an urgent motion seeking to prevent the court from admitting the DNA test result as evidence, arguing that the process was flawed and violated his rights. However, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, in his ruling on Wednesday, described Turaki’s application as “lacking merit” and upheld the admissibility of the DNA test.
Naija247news gathered that the case dates back to 2021 when the claimant, whose identity has been withheld for legal reasons, filed a suit alleging that Turaki is the biological father of her child. She further claimed that the former minister had refused to acknowledge paternity or provide financial support. The court had earlier ordered a DNA test to resolve the dispute, a decision Turaki has consistently challenged.
Naija247news understands that the ruling has sparked mixed reactions among legal experts and the public. While some have hailed the court’s decision as a victory for justice and accountability, others have expressed concerns over the potential misuse of DNA tests in personal disputes. A legal analyst, who spoke to Naija247news on condition of anonymity, described the judgment as “a significant precedent in paternity cases, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence in resolving such disputes.”
The former minister’s legal team has remained tight-lipped about the ruling, but Naija247news reports that they are considering filing an appeal. Meanwhile, the claimant’s lawyer has expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that it brings her client closer to justice.
According to Naija247news, this case is one of several high-profile paternity disputes in Nigeria that have drawn public attention in recent years. It highlights the growing reliance on DNA testing to resolve complex family matters, even as ethical and legal debates surrounding its use continue to evolve.
For now, the court’s decision stands as a reminder that no one, regardless of status, is above the law.
