The family of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has completed a private autopsy and toxicology test to determine the cause of his death. The news comes after the family’s long-standing concerns over the suspicious nature of his passing and the inconclusive results from the autopsy previously conducted by the Lagos State Government.
In June 2024, the Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, granted the family permission to carry out an independent autopsy and toxicology test following their doubts about the official investigation. The family’s request for a second opinion was rooted in their belief that the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death warranted further scrutiny.
A family source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, disclosed to PUNCH Metro on Thursday that the results of the private autopsy and toxicology tests have been available since December 2024. “The private autopsy has been concluded and the result is currently with the forensic pathologist contracted by the family. The result was ready since December and the pathologist is waiting to present it in court,” the source revealed.
The revelation of the completed autopsy comes after a lengthy period of uncertainty and public speculation surrounding the cause of Mohbad’s death. His passing in September 2023 sent shockwaves through the Nigerian music industry and his fans, who have been calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his demise. Many believe that Mohbad’s death was suspicious and are eager for clarity.
The Lagos State government initially conducted an autopsy, but it was rejected by the family due to its inconclusiveness. They sought an independent investigation, which was granted by the court in June 2024. The family’s persistence in seeking the truth reflects their commitment to uncovering the real cause of their loved one’s death and holding those responsible accountable.
As the family awaits the formal presentation of the autopsy results in court, calls for further action have been growing. The Critical Thinkers Group, a collective of concerned citizens, has voiced its concern over the current suspension of the coroner’s inquest into Mohbad’s death. The group has urged for the immediate reopening of the inquest, emphasizing that the delay has prolonged the search for answers.
In a statement signed by the secretary of its U.S. chapter, Bossy Keno, the group expressed frustration over the suspension of the inquest, which occurred in September 2024. The suspension followed a court order after an NGO was denied participation in the proceedings by Magistrate Shotibi of the Ikorodu Magistrate Court. “It should be noted that the inquest was suspended in September following a court order. This came after an NGO that sought to participate in the proceedings was denied by Magistrate Shotibi of the Ikorodu Magistrate Court,” Keno stated.
The group emphasized that the ongoing suspension has raised concerns among citizens and fans, many of whom are still desperate for justice. “The suspension of the inquest has raised concerns among many, with growing sentiments that the delay is prolonging the search for answers,” the statement added. The group believes that reopening the inquest is essential to ensuring that the investigation into Mohbad’s death continues without unnecessary hindrances.
According to the Critical Thinkers Group, reopening the inquest would provide an opportunity for the case to proceed to the High Court, where a more detailed and comprehensive investigation could take place. The group believes this would allow for the necessary legal actions to be taken and for the truth about Mohbad’s death to finally emerge.
The call for a renewed investigation is gaining traction, especially as the private autopsy results are set to play a crucial role in shaping the next steps in the case. The family has expressed its commitment to ensuring that Mohbad’s death is thoroughly investigated, and that justice is served.
