Coroner allows independent autopsy for late Mohbad

By Innocent Raphael

The Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has granted the family of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, permission to conduct an independent autopsy and toxicology test.

The decision comes after the family questioned the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and sought a second opinion following an inconclusive autopsy by the Lagos State Government.

The court’s ruling, delivered by T.A. Sonubi, mandates that the Aloba family will bear all legal expenses for the new tests. The deceased’s parents and wife are required to be present during the autopsy.

The family’s legal team, led by Taiwo Odumosu, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the truth about Mohbad’s death.

The court also allowed the family to call new witnesses to provide further testimony. However, it denied a request to recall previous witnesses.

In a related development, Mohbad’s wife, Wunmi, has requested permission to bury the singer. The court stated that all parties, including Mohbad’s parents and wife, must agree on the burial arrangements. If no consensus is reached, the matter will be referred to the High Court.

Mohbad, formerly associated with Marlian Music, died on September 12, 2023, at age 27, under controversial circumstances that ignited social media debates. His death prompted the Lagos State Police Command to establish a 13-man team to investigate. His body was exhumed for an autopsy on September 21, 2023.

Initial reports indicated that the toxicology test results had been sent to the pathologist for analysis. However, a US-based lab, NMS Labs, later denied conducting the test, contradicting claims by the Lagos State Government.

A pathologist testified in May that determining Mohbad’s cause of death was challenging due to the body’s decomposition.

The case continues to unfold as the family pushes for clarity and justice regarding Mohbad’s untimely death.