The law firm of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wahab Shittu, has withdrawn from the proceedings related to the DNA test of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
In a statement made available to the media and signed by its founding head, Shittu, the firm said the decision became necessary following what it described as “sustained falsehood being orchestrated on social media about alleged attempts to compromise the outcome of the DNA process.”
Part of the statement read: “This campaign of calumny, without any foundation whatsoever, has become very persistent in recent days.
“The path of honour, integrity, and professionalism is to withdraw further participation and legal advisory services to Mohbad’s family with respect to the said DNA proceedings.”
The firm clarified that it had no vested interest in the case beyond ensuring justice.
“We state, for the avoidance of doubt, that our firm has no personal interest in the outcome of the DNA process other than the interest of justice that will unravel the truth,” it added.
According to the firm, the decision to withdraw had already been communicated to Mohbad’s family.
It said that while advising on the matter, it had urged the family to ensure the DNA test was conducted transparently and handled by reputable laboratories.
“In the interest of all parties, including the subject child, the DNA process must be conducted in a transparent manner, making use of renowned DNA centres within and outside the country to avoid the possibility of compromise of the process,” the firm said.
The law firm emphasised that its withdrawal applied only to the DNA proceedings and did not affect its involvement in other legal matters concerning Mohbad’s family.
“This withdrawal relates only to the DNA proceedings and is without prejudice to our participation and handling of other matters concerning Mohbad’s family,” it said.
The statement concluded that the firm would formally notify the court of its withdrawal.
