An Abuja customary court has adjourned until March 4, a suit filed by a businessman Tunde Ayeni denying a child given birth to by Adaobi Alagwu. Alagwu failed to appear in court for the second time on Monday, prompting the adjournment.
The court had previously summoned Abuja-based Lawyer Adaobi to answer questions on Ayeni’s suit, but she was absent on both February 11 and 17. During the last court sitting, Silas Onu, Ayeni’s counsel, withdrew an earlier suit due to improper service and filed a fresh petition, which was properly served on Alagwu. Alagwu’s counsel apologized for her absence and confirmed receipt of the suit, stating they were still within time to file their defense. The court also inquired about a sum paid by Ayeni to Alagwu’s family, which her counsel confirmed had been refunded.
Ayeni, a former chairman of the board of directors, Skye Bank Plc, has been in the public eye over a paternity tussle with Alagwu, an Abuja-based lawyer. Alagwu claimed they dated in 2019 and that she welcomed a child with Ayeni in the United States in 2022. The businessman, however, denied the allegations and insisted that he “is not in any way connected to the child”.
Prior to yesterday court sitting, Ayeni had denied the authenticity of a DNA certificate presented by Adaobi Alagwu, which allegedly proves his paternity of her child.
Alagwu claimed they dated in 2019 and that she welcomed a child with Ayeni in the United States in 2022. The businessman, however, denied the allegations and insisted that he “is not in any way connected to the child”.
In July 2023, Biola, Ayeni’s wife, said her husband was a target for “runs girls” who use “diabolical” means to seduce “unsuspecting and naive victims” due to his popularity.
Also, court documents filed by Ayeni’s lawyers admitted that he paid “the customary dowry required to marry Alagwu in 2022, but the marriage didn’t proceed. In 2024, the dowry was returned to Ayeni, who accepted it”. The dispute, according to the document, led to a summons from a customary court in Abuja, where Ayeni (the complainant) sought to dissolve the customary marriage due to its breakdown.
The businessman reiterated that he has no “biological relationship with Alagwu’s child” and is seeking a new, independent DNA test to confirm his position. “This lady is being clever by half. She is haunted by her reckless past and is truly desperate. It is this desperation that is pushing her on this journey to infamy and ultimate disgrace,” the statement reads.
Ayeni also denied “marital connection to Alagwu,” adding that his position has been “repeatedly affirmed through official legal documents, including an affidavit”.
“This desperation will lead Adaobi nowhere. If she is confused about the true father of her daughter, she should invite her numerous dates for DNA tests,” the statement added.