A Lagos lawyer has called for a forensic investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly called Mohbad.
Festus Ogun in a letter to Mojisola Dada, the Chief Coroner of Lagos, on Monday, said Mr. Aloba’s death was strange and suspicious.
Background
The 27-year-old singer died on Tuesday and was buried on Wednesday in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Mohbad was known for his streetwise, relatable lyrics that often address everyday life and experiences.
There have been several controversies surrounding the death of the Ponmo singer as he was in constant dispute with his former boss, Naira Marley after he parted ways with Marlian Record in 2022.
Coroner’s investigation
“Immediately the news of his death became public, strong reports indicated that Mohbad’s sudden death was not natural,” Ogun said in his letter.
“Videos circulated on social media in which Mohbad was seen dying and lamenting the pain he had suffered at the hands of some people.
The human rights lawyer said there were “credible reports” suggesting that the artist was “persistently intimidated, harassed, tortured, assaulted and intimidated by some elements who tormented him and his brilliant musical career even up to the time of his death.”.
Ogun asked why the Christian deceased was “hastily buried.”
Outlining why it is necessary to launch the forensic investigation, Ogun said those who were with the deceased in his last moments had been “unable to give any tangible explanation regarding the circumstances and cause of his death.”
He said the stories being told are contradictory and not convincing.
“Under sections 14 and 15 of the Lagos State Forensic Systems Act, we at this moment request a forensic investigation to investigate and determine the cause and circumstances of the death of Mohbad,” the letter further reads.
“Importantly, we humbly request that you exercise the power under Section 17 of the Forensic System Act to order the exhumation of his body for the Chief Coroner to determine the cause of his death anatomically.
“Once the coroner’s investigation is concluded, we are hopeful that the investigation’s conclusions will be made public and that those found wanting will be punished by the appropriate authorities.”