CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Paternity fraud, also known as misattributed paternity or paternal discrepancy, occurs when a man is falsely identified as the biological father of a child. It is based on the assumption that the mother intentionally misidentifies the biological father. The historical context of paternity fraud dates back to the early human race and is closely related to the understanding of adultery.
Paternity disputes are not uncommon, often arising in cases of unmarried couples where a man seeks to evade financial responsibility for a child he doubts is biologically his own. Research indicates a wide range of incidence rates for paternal discrepancy worldwide, ranging from 0.8% to 30%. For instance, studies by Bellis, Hughes, and Ashton (2005) reported rates of 11.8% in Mexico, 4.0% in Canada, 2.8% in France, and 0.8% in the UK in the period from 1991 to 1999.
Globally, parentage disputes present a complex issue, primarily driven by allegations of infidelity within marriages and sexual irresponsibility among unmarried individuals. The use of DNA analysis has become increasingly prevalent in establishing the parentage of children involved in such disputes. DNA parentage testing assesses genetic markers to determine the likelihood of biological relatedness between alleged parents and the child.
The advancement of molecular technology, specifically DNA profiling, has revolutionized forensic science and parentage testing. Techniques such as Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis have been utilized in resolving paternity disputes.
In the context of Nigeria, concerns about high rates of paternity fraud are not unfounded. Recent reports have ranked Nigeria as the second-highest country globally for paternity fraud, following Jamaica. The African continent has witnessed numerous cases of paternity fraud, including the shocking confession by a Zambian nurse, Elizabeth Bwalya Mwewa, who admitted to swapping approximately 5,000 babies over a 12-year period. Such revelations have raised questions about the restoration of damaged families and the rectification of acts of unfaithfulness and adultery, as the truth behind the genetic discrepancies in children's paternity may remain concealed.
This study aims to investigate the underlying causes of paternity fraud, the prevalence and impact of paternity fraud. Understanding and addressing this complex issue is essential for the well-being of individuals and families affected by paternity fraud in Nigeria.Top of Form
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1.2 Statement of the Problem
Paternity fraud, the misrepresentation of the biological father of a child, has emerged as a significant and concerning issue in Nigeria. Despite the lack of comprehensive and up-to-date data, anecdotal evidence and reports suggest that paternity fraud is prevalent in the country, with potentially far-reaching social, emotional, and legal consequences for individuals and families involved. This problem necessitates a comprehensive examination to understand its extent and implications in the Nigerian context.
The specific issues associated with the prevalence of paternity fraud in Nigeria include:
- Lack of Reliable Statistics: There is a dearth of reliable statistical data and research on the prevalence of paternity fraud in Nigeria. The absence of such information hinders our ability to gauge the scale of the problem and its impact on Nigerian society.
- Legal and Emotional Consequences: Paternity fraud can have severe legal and emotional consequences for both the deceived fathers and the children involved. It may lead to protracted legal battles, emotional distress, and the breakdown of trust within families.
- Implications for Child Welfare: Children may be unwittingly caught in situations where their true parentage is uncertain. This can have long-term consequences on their identity, access to resources, and overall well-being.
- Social Stigma and Psychological Impact: Individuals who discover they are victims of paternity fraud may suffer from social stigma, psychological distress, and a sense of betrayal. These emotional and social repercussions can extend to broader societal issues.
- Policy and Legal Framework: Nigeria lacks a comprehensive legal and policy framework to address paternity fraud adequately. There is a need to examine existing laws and regulations and consider potential reforms.
- Socioeconomic Implications: Paternity fraud can also have socioeconomic implications, including issues related to inheritance, property rights, and the allocation of financial support for children.
- Cultural and Societal Factors: The prevalence of paternity fraud may be influenced by cultural norms, societal attitudes, and economic disparities in Nigeria. Understanding these factors is crucial to addressing the problem effectively.
- Support and Awareness: There is a need for support mechanisms and increased awareness campaigns to help individuals and families affected by paternity fraud, as well as to educate the public about its consequences.
In light of these challenges, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation into the prevalence of paternity fraud in Nigeria, its root causes, and its multifaceted impacts on individuals, families, and society. This research can inform the development of policies, legal reforms, and support systems to mitigate the problem and promote the well-being of all parties involved.
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine paternity fraud in Nigeria, prevalence, impact and the way forward. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To determine the prevalence of paternity fraud in Nigeria.
- To assess the impact of paternity fraud on individuals, families, and society.
- To identify the factors that contribute to paternity fraud in Nigeria.
- To develop strategies for preventing and addressing paternity fraud in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What is the prevalence of paternity fraud in Nigeria?
- What is the impact of paternity fraud on individuals, families, and society?
- What are the factors that contribute to paternity fraud in Nigeria?
- What strategies can be developed for preventing and addressing paternity fraud in Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
- Ho: The prevalence of Paternity fraud in Nigeria is high.
- Hi: The prevalence of Paternity fraud in Nigeria is low.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the child care and support sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to sampled private laboratories in FCT. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
1. Paternity Fraud: Paternity fraud, also known as misattributed paternity or paternal discrepancy, refers to the situation where a man is falsely identified as the biological father of a child due to deliberate misrepresentation by the mother or other parties involved. This misidentification is often based on the erroneous belief that the man is the biological parent when, in reality, he is not.
2. Prevalence: Prevalence, in the context of paternity fraud, denotes the frequency or extent to which instances of misattributed paternity occur within a given population. It quantifies the percentage or number of cases in which men are wrongly identified as the biological fathers of children.
3. Impact: Impact, in the context of paternity fraud, encompasses the multifaceted consequences that individuals, families, and society at large may experience as a result of misattributed paternity. These consequences can include emotional distress, legal disputes, familial discord, and potential socioeconomic implications.
4. The Way Forward: "The way forward" in the context of addressing paternity fraud in Nigeria refers to the strategies, policies, and actions needed to mitigate the problem, provide support to affected individuals, and prevent future cases. It involves considering legal reforms, support mechanisms, awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives to address paternity fraud effectively and promote the well-being of all parties involved.
