CLARIFICATION ON THE DNA PATERNITY TEST OF MR. INEIFE PEREKUSOFA AND MS. JAPHETH CATHERINE CONDUCTED BY KATCHEY LABORATORIES LIMITED

 ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS OF NIGERIA (AMLSN) BAYELSA STATE BRANCH

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

RE: CLARIFICATION ON THE DNA PATERNIT

Y TEST OF MR. INEIFE PEREKUSOFA AND MS. JAPHETH CATHERINE CONDUCTED BY KATCHEY LABORATORIES LIMITED

The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Bayelsa State Branch, has noted with concern the misinformation and misleading narratives circulating on social media regarding the DNA paternity test involving Mr. Ineife Perekusofa and Ms. Japheth Catherine, conducted by Katchey Laboratories Limited, Lagos.

Having reviewed the information made available to the Association and received explanations from the relevant parties, we wish to clarify the following:

1. Contrary to claims that the DNA test was conducted "in the parlour of an unknown individual," the Association confirms that the biological samples were professionally collected under standard laboratory procedures. The samples were subsequently transported under appropriate conditions to Katchey Laboratories Limited, Lagos, an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited forensic laboratory, where the DNA analysis was performed using internationally accepted molecular diagnostic protocols. The allegation that the test was conducted in a private parlour or by an unknown individual is therefore false and misleading.

2. Information available to the Association indicates that both parties voluntarily requested the paternity test for their own peace of mind. There is no information before the Association suggesting that either party was compelled, coerced, or forced to participate in the investigation.

3. The Association is also informed that both parties provided informed consent and duly signed the required consent documentation before specimen collection and laboratory analysis commenced, in accordance with accepted professional and ethical standards.

4. Based on the information reviewed, the Association found no evidence of professional misconduct, procedural compromise, or scientific irregularity in the handling of the investigation by the professionals involved.

5. Assertions that the DNA test is invalid because family members or independent witnesses were not present are scientifically inaccurate. While witness requirements may be relevant in certain legal proceedings depending on the applicable jurisdiction or the purpose of the test, they are not scientific requirements for determining the accuracy or validity of DNA paternity analysis. The reliability of a DNA test depends on proper participant identification, informed consent, specimen integrity, chain-of-custody procedures where applicable, validated analytical methods, quality assurance systems, and competent professional practice.

6. In the interest of transparency and public confidence, the Association has no objection if both parties mutually agree to undertake another independent DNA paternity test at any reputable and appropriately accredited molecular or forensic laboratory, either within Nigeria or outside the country. DNA profiling is based on universally accepted scientific principles; therefore, where proper procedures are followed and samples are obtained from the same individuals, the analytical outcome is expected to be consistent irrespective of the laboratory performing the analysis.

The Association therefore calls on members of the public to refrain from spreading misinformation or making statements capable of undermining public confidence in qualified professionals and accredited laboratories without credible evidence.

Medical laboratory investigations are grounded in internationally accepted scientific principles, validated methodologies, quality management systems, and professional ethics. Scientific findings should not be adjudicated through social media narratives but should be assessed based on established scientific evidence and, where necessary, the appropriate legal processes.

The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Bayelsa State Branch, remains committed to upholding the integrity of the Medical Laboratory Science profession, promoting excellence in laboratory practice, and safeguarding public confidence in laboratory services.

Signed

MLS Eunice Ayamaere Lelei ( Chairman AMLSN Bayelsa State) 

MLS Lokoja Ebiweni James (Publicity Secretary AMLSN Bayelsa State)