Freetown, Sierra Leone – October 6, 2025 – The High Court of Sierra Leone has ordered a DNA test to settle a heated paternity dispute between Justice Mohamed Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens and Ms. Edwina Hawa Jamiru, following months of legal wrangling in the Family and Probate Division.
The case, filed under Miscellaneous Application No. 233/25, was brought before Justice Augustine K. Musa, who ruled that a scientific test was the fairest and most lawful way to determine whether Stevens is the biological father of the child, born on April 10, 2025.
The ruling came after the plaintiff petitioned the court in May, seeking confirmation of paternity, a possible maintenance order, and injunctions to protect his privacy.
Initial interim orders, including a gag order, were granted in May, but the substantive matter faced delays due to repeated absences of the defendant and changes in her legal representation.
On October 1, both parties finally appeared in court. Counsel for the defendant initially requested more time but later withdrew from the case, leaving Ms. Jamiru to respond under oath.
She strongly opposed the DNA test, but photographic and digital evidence presented by the plaintiff—including WhatsApp messages and pictures suggesting another romantic involvement during her pregnancy—prompted the judge to consider a scientific test necessary.
In his ruling, Justice Musa noted that the evidence raised “legitimate doubts” about paternity and said refusing a DNA test under such circumstances would be unjust.
The court outlined strict protocols for the process:
* DNA samples will be taken from the child and Ms. Jamiru, analyzed by both a local and an international accredited laboratory.
* The Master and Registrar of the High Court will supervise the procedure.
* Representatives from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Human Rights Commission, and women’s groups may observe the collection.
* Results must be submitted by **November 24, 2025**, with all costs covered by the plaintiff.
The case has been adjourned to November 27, 2025, when the results will be presented before final orders are issued.
Justice Musa emphasized the court’s commitment to fairness, due process, and the welfare of the child, stressing that the DNA test is the most appropriate step to bring clarity to the dispute.
