By Emma Black
The Family and Probate Division of the High Court of Sierra Leone on October 6, 2025 has ordered a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test to determine the biological paternity of a child at the center of a high-profile case between Mr. Mohamed Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens and Ms. Edwina Hawa Jamiru.
The judgment, issued under Miscellaneous Application No. 233/25, was delivered before the Hon. Justice October. The plaintiff was represented by Ms. Y. Gborie and Mr. M.A. Jalloh Esq, while the defendant appeared in person after her previous counsel withdrew from the matter.
The case arose after Mr. Stevens filed an originating summons dated May 2, 2025, seeking a series of court orders, including, A directive for a DNA test to confirm whether he is the biological father of the child, born on April 10, 2025, an order compelling Ms. Jamiru to submit herself and the child for DNA sampling, Maintenance and child support arrangements should the test confirm his paternity.
Interim and permanent injunctions restraining the defendant from publishing case details or taking actions that could harm his character or reputation. The plaintiff supported his application with affidavits containing photographic and electronic evidence that raised doubts about the paternity of the child.
The matter was first heard in May 2025, when interim injunctions were granted to protect the privacy of the parties pending full determination. The case experienced several adjournments due to service and representation issues until both parties appeared before the court on October 1, 2025.
At that hearing, Ms. Jamiru’s legal representative, Ms. W. Hughes, withdrew from the matter, explaining that her organization could not represent clients in civil cases. The defendant then proceeded without counsel and, under oath, objected to the DNA test.
During cross-examination, she admitted to appearing in photographs with another man, which the court viewed as supporting the plaintiff’s doubts about paternity. Exhibits tendered included WhatsApp messages and photos suggesting a romantic relationship between the defendant and another man during the period of conception.
Delivering his ruling, Justice October held that the evidence before the court, particularly the exhibits provided by the plaintiff, was sufficient to justify an order for a DNA test. He emphasized that the court could not “turn a blind eye” to credible evidence that raises legitimate questions of paternity.
“It would be foolhardy for the court to deny an application for a DNA test where reasonable doubt exists,” the ruling stated. “In my mind, it will be in the best interest of the parties—especially the child for an order to be made for such a test, which would be the only way to establish the truth.”
The judge cited Section 83 of the Child Rights Act No. 7 of 2007, which empowers the court to order scientific testing in determining paternity, the High Court made the following key orders, A DNA test shall be conducted on the minor known as “Ms. Edwina H. Jamiru’s daughter,” also called “Edwina Stevens,” to determine whether Mr. Stevens is the biological father, The defendant must submit herself and the child for sample collection.
The test shall be conducted by both a local reputable genetic testing laboratory and an international laboratory to ensure accuracy and transparency. The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Human Rights Commission, and relevant women’s organizations may witness the sample collection.
The Master and Registrar of the High Court will supervise all testing protocols and ensure compliance. Samples may be collected voluntarily or, if necessary, by enforcement to uphold the court’s order. The DNA testing must be completed on or before November 10, 2025, with results submitted to the court within 14 days of sample collection.
The plaintiff will fund the entire testing process. The matter stands adjourned to November 27, 2025, for presentation of results and final orders. The ruling has been widely described as a landmark moment for Sierra Leone’s judicial system, emphasizing scientific evidence over speculation in paternity disputes.
Legal analysts hailed the decision as a “modern and decisive step” toward strengthening accountability and fairness in family law. “DNA testing is not just a medical tool it’s a legal safeguard that protects the rights of children,” one legal expert told this publication.
Child rights advocates also commended the court for prioritizing the welfare of the child over the reputations of the adults involved. “This case is not about blame or shame,” said one advocate. “It’s about ensuring that the child grows up knowing the truth about their identity.”
The High Court’s decision represents a progressive shift in Sierra Leone’s family justice system, where truth, science, and the best interests of the child now take precedence over personal emotions or public sentiment.
As the nation awaits the DNA test results, this case may set a strong precedent for how future paternity and family-related disputes are handled with fairness, transparency, and respect for all parties involved.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 10th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
