Experts Urge Fathers Not to Abandon Children After Painful DNA Revelations
Omoyeni Olabode
Mental health professionals in Nigeria are warning fathers against abandoning children, emotionally or physically, after discovering through DNA tests that they are not the biological parent.
The caution comes amid a striking trend: one in four paternity tests conducted between July 2024 and June 2025 confirmed non-paternity, according to the 2025 Annual Report from Smart DNA Nigeria.
Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Yesiru Kareem emphasised that such disclosures can inflict deep psychological trauma on children, especially those aged five to ten.
Potential consequences include depression, anxiety, identity crises, and,even in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. He reminded fathers that parenthood is rooted in emotional commitment, not just biology.
Clinical Psychologist Dr Juliet Ottoh reinforced this, warning that abrupt rejection can cause children to internalise the trauma, undermining their trust, self-worth and future relationships. Otoh advised that any such revelations be handled with utmost compassion, discretion and professional mental health support.
Experts underscore that children, victims of no fault of their own, deserve continued affection, stability and care from the father who raised them. Maintaining nurturing bonds can mitigate long-term emotional damage and preserve the child’s trust in relationships.
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