Paternity Fraud: Causes, Preventive Strategies, Counselling, and Victims Compensation in Nigeria

Paternity fraud, defined as the deliberate or inadvertent misattribution of biological fatherhood, has emerged as a critical social, legal, and psychological issue within contemporary Nigerian society. This study examines the causes of paternity fraud, the preventive strategies available, the counselling approaches and interventions required for affected individuals, and the mechanisms for victims’ compensation and legal redress in Nigeria. Adopting a descriptive and analytical approach, the study draws on existing literature, legal frameworks, and socio-cultural perspectives to explore the multifaceted dimensions of paternity fraud. The findings reveal that socio-economic pressures, weak legal enforcement, patriarchal family structures, stigma surrounding infertility, and limited access to affordable DNA testing significantly contribute to the occurrence of paternity fraud in Nigeria. Preventive strategies identified include public awareness campaigns, premarital and postnatal counselling, routine access to paternity testing, and strengthened legal and institutional safeguards. The study further highlights the importance of professional counselling in addressing the psychological trauma, identity disruption, and family instability experienced by victims. In addition, the paper examines gaps in Nigeria’s legal system concerning compensation and proposes policy reforms aimed at ensuring justice, restitution, and emotional rehabilitation for affected individuals. The study concludes that a coordinated response involving legal reform, counselling services, and public education is essential for addressing paternity fraud and safeguarding family integrity in Nigeria.