By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Family and Probate Division of the High Court of Sierra Leone has on Monday October 6, 2025 ordered a DNA test to determine the paternity of a child at the center of a legal dispute between Mohamed Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens (plaintiff) and Edwina Hawa Jamiru (defendant).
The ruling, delivered by Hon. Justice Augustine K. Musa, followed months of hearings and adjournments over the plaintiff’s application seeking confirmation of parentage under Section 83 of the Child Rights Act No. 7 of 2007.
Mohamed Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens had approached the court in May 2025, requesting a DNA test to confirm whether he is the biological father of a baby girl born on 10 April 2025, who is alleged to have been conceived from his relationship with Ms. Edwina Hawa Jamiru. He further sought court orders compelling the defendant and the child to provide samples for testing, alongside restrictions on public disclosures regarding the case.
During proceedings, the defendant initially resisted the DNA test, but evidence presented in court, including photographs and WhatsApp messages suggesting her involvement with another man during her pregnancy, strengthened the plaintiff’s claims of doubt regarding paternity.
Justice Augustine K. Musa noted that it would be “foolhardy” to compel the plaintiff to assume maintenance responsibilities for a child whose paternity he reasonably questions, emphasizing that the DNA test was in the best interest of both the child and the parties involved.
“A DNA test is the only way to resolve this matter conclusively,” Justice Augustine K. Musa stated. “It will be in the best interest of the parties, especially the child, for her well-being and future stability.”
In his final ruling, Justice Augustine K. Musa directed that:
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A DNA test be conducted on the child and the mother to confirm paternity.
2. The testing must be carried out by both a reputable local genetic testing laboratory and a foreign laboratory for accuracy.
3. The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Human Rights Commission and women’s organizations may witness the sample collection process.
4. The Master and Registrar of the High Court will oversee the testing protocols and ensure compliance.
5. Samples must be collected voluntarily or by enforcement if necessary, with results submitted within 14 days of collection.
6. The entire process must be completed on or before 10 November 2025, with results presented in court on 27 November 2025.
7. The plaintiff will bear the full cost of the DNA testing exercise.The judge further maintained interim gag orders to restrict publication or dissemination of details relating to the proceedings until final determination.
This landmark ruling underscores the growing role of DNA testing in Sierra Leone’s family law system as a decisive tool in resolving paternity disputes.
