High Court Orders DNA Test
By Mohamed Kamara
In a dramatic twist to a case that has gripped both legal and public circles, High Court Judge A.K. Musa has ordered a DNA test to resolve a paternity dispute between Court of Appeal Justice Mohamed Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens and 21-year-old law student Edwina Hawa Jamiru.
Delivering the ruling in the Family and Probate Division, Justice Musa emphasized that the test is “in the best interest of the parties, especially the child,” following evidence that cast legitimate doubt on the judge’s paternity claim.
Justice Jah-Stevens, currently on administrative leave, filed the application on May 2, 2025, under Section 83 of the Child Rights Act, seeking to verify whether he is the biological father of the baby born on April 10, 2025. His petition was supported by a supplemental affidavit featuring three exhibits that raised eyebrows in the courtroom.
The exhibits included two photographs showing Jamiru in close contact with another man—one with her head resting on his shoulder, and another showing them kissing. The third exhibit was a screenshot of a WhatsApp status allegedly posted by Jamiru, stating: “I can’t wait for us to get married. I wanna be yours forever, Peterson.”
During cross-examination, Jamiru admitted the photos were taken during her late pregnancy but insisted the man was “just a friend.” She declined to address the message, opposing the DNA test altogether, stating she “does not want same to be done.”
Justice Musa, however, ruled that the evidence “would raise eyebrows in any reasonable mind” and noted it would be unjust to compel a man to care for a child whose biological link is in serious question.
The court ordered that DNA samples be taken from both mother and child under the supervision of the Master and Registrar. The test will be conducted by both local and internationally accredited laboratories, with a deadline for completion set for November 10, 2025, and results due within 14 days. Justice Jah-Stevens is to bear all testing costs.
Importantly, the judge stated that if Jamiru refuses to comply, the samples can be obtained “voluntarily or by force.”
The matter is adjourned to November 27, 2025, for the presentation of results. Meanwhile, the Judicial and Legal Service Commission is reportedly reviewing Justice Jah-Stevens’ conduct in relation to the case, which has sparked widespread public interest and debate.
