By Ghazali Ibrahim
After nearly two years of public outcry and speculation, a coroner’s inquest has delivered a long-awaited judgment into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, who died in September 2023 under controversial circumstances.
Delivering the ruling on Friday, July 11, 2025, Magistrate Shotobi stated that while a definitive cause of death could not be certified due to the state of the body, the evidence pointed to medical negligence and not foul play.
“I cannot certify a true cause of death, but I draw a link from the sudden reaction of the deceased after being injected by the nurse. The death is not linked to any evidence of foul play, but medical negligence,” she declared.
The court recommended that the nurse who administered the injection be prosecuted, marking a significant legal step in a case that has drawn national attention and emotional reactions across Nigeria.
In a strongly worded section of her report, the magistrate criticized Mohbad’s father and wife for their actions following the singer’s collapse and eventual death.
The rushed burial and failure to seek immediate, appropriate medical attention were chastised, with the coroner noting that both parties “did not do the needful” and contributed to the delay in proper reporting of the incident.
Importantly, the inquest also addressed long-standing allegations against Mohbad’s former record label boss, Azeez Fashola (aka Naira Marley), and associate Sam Larry, who were previously accused of harassment and possibly linked to the singer’s death.
The coroner ruled that no evidence connected either individual to the actual cause of death.
“There was no correlation between Mohbad’s death and his former promoter or associates, despite allegations of harassment,” the coroner concluded.
While the verdict did not meet the expectations of many who hoped for broader indictments, rights activist Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin responded by urging the public to accept the court’s position, reminding Nigerians that “evidence is what rules the day in court.”
The coroner also made recommendation for a reburial which many believe could finally give the late singer the dignity and peace he was denied.
“We hope a reburial will eventually allow Mohbad to finally rest. Sun re ooo,” Dr. Okei-Odumakin said in closing remarks.
Mohbad’s tragic death continues to resonate with fans and the music industry, but with the coroner’s ruling, legal clarity may finally offer a path toward closure.
