The ongoing investigation into the tragic death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, has taken a significant turn as a Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, which ordered substituted service on several key witnesses. The decision comes as part of the court’s efforts to ensure that all relevant testimonies are gathered to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the singer’s untimely death.
Among those to be served are notable figures in the Nigerian music industry, including Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, and Samson Eletu, also known as Sam Larry. Additionally, Mohbad’s sister-in-law, Karimot Ogunbayo, his lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade, and other individuals linked to the case such as Boluwatife Adeyemo (alias Darosha), nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and driver Fidelis Esanbor, are also on the list of witnesses.
The court’s decision was based on an application by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, who requested the issuance of a witness summons to these individuals. Magistrate T.A. Sotobi, presiding over the case, granted the application during a court session on August 16, 2024, allowing the summons to be served through reputable national newspapers and social media platforms. This measure aims to expedite the process and ensure that the witnesses appear before the court as required.
The legal team representing the Aloba family, led by senior advocate Wahab Shittu, had previously sought the court’s intervention to compel these witnesses to testify. The legal team’s statement, signed by Monisola Odumosu, highlighted the court’s agreement that the substituted means of service were necessary given the challenges encountered in serving the witnesses through conventional methods.
The witnesses are expected to provide crucial evidence related to the circumstances leading to Mohbad’s death, which occurred under suspicious conditions on September 12, 2023. The singer’s passing has sparked widespread controversy and public interest, with many calling for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.
In addition to the new witnesses, the coroner’s court has also granted an application to recall Mohbad’s wife, Wunmi, and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in charge of the case, ASP Muhammad Yusuf. The recall is intended to address new issues that have emerged, requiring further clarification from both Wunmi and the police.
Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Music owned by Naira Marley, had left the label in February 2022. Following his death, the Lagos State Police Command inaugurated a 13-man special investigation team to probe the circumstances surrounding the singer’s demise. The case has since led to the arrest of Naira Marley and controversial Lagos socialite, Sam Larry, among others.
As the inquest continues, the court has adjourned the case to allow for compliance with the orders and the appearance of the summoned witnesses. The inquest into Mohbad’s death remains a high-profile case, with the public eagerly awaiting the revelations that could come from the testimonies of these key witnesses.
