IGWEBUIKE: African Journal of Arts and Humanities

The phenomenon of paternity fraud, which has become one of the recurrent and prominent social problems in present-day Nigeria, has earned the country a contemptuous position in its global ranking in recent times. Despite the societal condemnation and disposition towards this awful social ill and the potency of scientific innovations in detecting it, the menace continues to be persistent across the country as high de-humanizing episodes are being reported, particularly in the southwestern region, from time to time. Premised on the above, this article investigates this prevailing problem of paternity fraud in southwestern Nigeria by exploring the nature, causes and broader implications of the social problem. This article adopts a critical-analytical method and is anchored on rational choice theory, constructivist theory and pragmatism. It further examined empirical data, expert analysis, documentary evidence and media reports to offer a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon. It also lends credence to the distinction between justified true belief and knowledge in the light of “Gettier’s critique. The article argues that, while the causal factors of paternity discrepancy are multi-dimensional, comprising cultural factors, socio-economic factors, gaps in regulation, and professional shortcomings, their implications include domestic violence, psychological trauma, divorce, mental health disorder and untimely death. It concludes that there is an urgent need for specific legislation, public education and upholding of professional ethics in medical and laboratory practices with a view to reducing the widespread occurrences of paternity fraud and its attendant disputes to the barest minimum.

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