An Abuja Customary Court has adjourned until 17 February a suit filed by businessman Tunde Ayeni, denying the paternity of a child allegedly fathered by him with an Abuja-based woman, Ms Adaobi Alagwu.

At the resumed hearing, Ayeni’s counsel, Silas Onu, informed the court that he was filing a notice of discontinuance for an earlier petition due to improper service. Consequently, the court struck out the previous petition.

Onu further stated that a fresh petition had been properly filed and served on the respondent. In response, the respondent’s counsel confirmed receipt of the petition but apologised for his client’s absence in court. He also noted that the respondent was still within the legal timeframe to file her defence.

During the proceedings, the court questioned the respondent’s counsel on whether the sum of money previously paid by Dr Ayeni to Ms Alagwu’s family had been refunded. The lawyer confirmed that the money had been returned but stated that the defence was yet to be filed.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter and directed the respondent’s legal team to ensure that all legal responses were served on the petitioner. It further ordered that both parties be present at the next hearing for trial.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Ayeni, who attended the session with his wife, described the case as an attempt by Ms Alagwu to malign his reputation. He asserted that he initially believed her claims and took responsible steps but later discovered that he had been deceived.

“The money I paid because of the child has been returned. I just want to set the record straight and make it clear that there is no connection between me and this lady. She is a gold digger, but this time, she has met the wrong person. That is why I brought her to court—to lay the matter to rest once and for all,” he stated.

He further insisted that he had documented evidence to support his claims and was prepared to prove his case.

In an effort to formally refute the paternity claims, Ayeni had, months ago, requested and received a refund of the money he previously paid to Ms Alagwu’s family when he believed he was the father of the child.

A letter dated 23 January 2025, from the chambers of Shield Sword & Consult, Ayeni’s legal representatives, to Indemnity Partners, Ms Alagwu’s legal team, reinforced his position. The letter, which was exclusively obtained by our correspondent, stated that Ayeni had been misled into believing he was the child’s father but later uncovered the truth.

The letter also clarified that the payment made to the family had been misconstrued as a bride price. According to the document, the payment was intended to enable the child to bear Ayeni’s family name before birth, a decision that was later reversed upon the discovery of the true paternity.

The letter further asserted that upon realising the deception, Ayeni demanded a full refund, which was duly made, thereby terminating any privilege of the child using his family name. It also refuted any claims that he had ever contemplated marriage with Ms Alagwu, emphasising that, as a non-Igbo man, he was unaware that such a payment could be construed as a traditional dowry.

Ayeni has consistently maintained that he has severed all ties with Ms Alagwu and has urged her to move on with her life. Sources close to the matter suggest that despite being seen in public with other men, she has found it difficult to move on, allegedly due to the lifestyle she has become accustomed to.

The court is expected to hear the matter further on 17 February.