In connection with the ongoing investigation into the passing of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, a Coroner’s Court in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State has directed alternative notification to be served on key witnesses.
The individuals who are subject to this directive include Naira Marley (Azeez Fashola); Sam Larry (Samson Eletu); Mohbad’s sister-in-law, Karimot Ogunbayo; Boluwatife Adeyemo, also known as Darosha; Mohbad’s lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade; the nurse who treated the deceased, Feyisayo Ogedengbe; and the driver who transported him to the hospital, Fidelis Esanbor.
The request to issue a witness summons through a prominent national newspaper and social media was approved by Magistrate T. A. Sotobi, based on an application filed by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, during the court session on August 16.
The legal representatives of the Aloba family, as mentioned in a statement signed by Monisola Odumosu and conveyed to PUNCH Metro, highlighted that the magistrate also authorized the issuance of Witness Summons to interested parties for providing testimony regarding the circumstances leading to Mohbad’s demise.
The legal team led by Mr. Wahab Shittu SAN, along with other lawyers representing Joseph Aloba, argued for the issuance of Witness Summons against specific individuals to shed light on the events surrounding Mohbad’s passing under suspicious conditions in September 2023. The statement further detailed the request to call upon certain individuals for testimony during a date set by the coroner.
Efforts to serve Witness Summons to these individuals through regular judicial channels had previously been futile, prompting the application for alternative service methods.
Additionally, the coroner’s court approved the recall of Mohbad’s wife, Wunmi, and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) assigned to the case, ASP Muhammad Yusuf.
During the proceedings, lawyer Akinpelu Ogunbona, representing Ibrahim Owodunni (Primeboy), highlighted the necessity for Wunmi and the police to provide further clarity on certain aspects related to the singer’s demise.
The coroner adjourned the session to ensure compliance with the orders and the appearance of the designated witnesses at the subsequent hearing.
Mohbad, who passed away at the age of 27 on September 12, 2023, faced scrutiny over the circumstances of his demise, generating extensive discussions on social platforms.
Once a signee of Marlian Music overseen by Naira Marley, Mohbad terminated his association with the label in February 2022. Following his demise, the Lagos State Police Command initiated a special investigative team on September 18, 2023, to probe the incident.
The aftermath of Mohbad’s demise included the apprehension of Naira Marley, as well as the controversial personality Balogun Eletu, alias Sam Larry, among others.
On September 21, 2023, Mohbad’s remains were exhumed for an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.