Dad dodged child support by getting pal to take DNA paternity test

A DAD dodged more than £8,600 in child maintenance payments after denying he was his child’s father and sending a pal to undergo a paternity test on his behalf.

Raphael Duyile asked his friend Lanre Balogonn – who runs a celebrity chauffeuring firm – to fraudulently take the DNA test for him at a health centre in the borough.

Woolwich Crown Court heard that Duyile, 33, wanted to stop paying child support to the mother, Chanel Weekes, after his family fell out with her and he started having “financial difficulties”.

When the fraudulent paternity test results came back negative, Duyile brazenly sent a text to Ms Weekes telling her she had “some explaining to do”.

However, investigators uncovered Duyile and Balogonn’s deception – and they have now been handed suspended jail sentences for conspiracy to defraud.

**PICTURED: Lanre Balogonn took the DNA test on behalf of Duyile out of a “misguided sense of loyalty”** **(Credit: Instagram)**

Outlining the case, Katie Porter Windley, prosecuting, said: “Mr Duyile and Ms Weekes were in a brief sexual relationship and she fell pregnant. A test confirmed the baby was Mr Duyile’s.

“He accepted he was the father, paid child support and was in and out of the child’s life.

“However when his family fell out with Ms Weekes, he stopped paying.

“In February 2022, he contacted the Child Maintenance Service by phone and requested a DNA test. He said he didn’t think he was the father.

**PICTURED: Duyile told the mother of his child “you have some explaining to do” after getting the DNA results**

“A DNA test in April 2022 showed he was not the biological father. When it came back negative, he texted Ms Weekes saying ‘you have some explaining to do’.

“Miss Weeke’s disputed the results and provided a statement saying she hadn’t been in a sexual relationship with any other men at the time she fell pregnant.”

Ms Windley said the authorities launched an investigation into the case and checked the DNA database.

Lanre Balogonn leaving Woolwich Crown Court — **PICTURED: Balogonn leaving Woolwich Crown Court**

The DNA provided in the test was traced back to 30-year-old Balogonn. The authorities then also checked their bank accounts and discovered Duyile had sent his friend £50.

It later emerged this payment was to cover Balogonn petrol on his trip to the Downham Health & Leisure Centre.

The pair were arrested in 2024 and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud.

In total Duyile, who works as a celebrity talent manager, avoided making child maintenance payments for more than 1,100 days – saving him £8,631, the court heard.

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Dr Tunde Okewale, defending Duyile, said his client – who is of previous good character – has repaid more than £5,300 of the owed payments since March this year.

Charles Hannaford, defending Balogonn, said his client made a “very poor judgement” by taking the test on behalf of Duyile.

The court heard how Balogonn was given identity documents by Duyile to take the test.

Mr Hannaford added: “He was presented with this opportunity by his friend and he wanted to help his friend out.

Raphael Duyile — **PICTURED: Duyile was handed a suspended sentence** **(Credit**:**Instagram)**

“He is very remorseful.”

The barrister said his client, who has previous convictions for driving offences, now runs a successful business that allows him to support several members of his family.

His firm, So Suave Chauffeurs, is popular with the rich and famous, who value it for its “discretion”, Mr Hannaford added.

Posts on the company’s Instagram page show celebrity clients including superstar singer Akon, Love Island stars Indiyah Polack and Dami Hope and the rapper Tion Wayne.

**PICTURED: Balogonn undertook a DNA test at Downham Health & Leisure Centre**

The court also heard about the good work the firm has carried out, including sponsoring the construction of a well in an impoverished area of Nigeria.

Sentencing Duyile, Judge Martin Yale described his behaviour as “cold, callous and calculated”.

He added: “This wasn’t just fraud against the Child Maintenance Service and Ms Weekes, it was a fraud against your own child.

“The fraud was selfish and deprived a young child and mother of money for their keep.”

However, Judge Yale spared Duyile jail after reflecting on his early guilty plea, his glowing references and his previous good character.

The dad broke down in tears as the judge handed him a 12-month suspended sentence.

Judge Yale also spared Balogonn jail, saying he had acted out of a “misplaced sense of loyalty”.

He received a three-month suspended sentence.

Home » News » Dad dodged child support by getting pal to take DNA paternity test

Dad dodged child support by getting pal to take DNA paternity test

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