By By Ajide Muminat
The cause of death for Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, remains uncertain following an autopsy revealing significant decomposition.
Lawyer Wahab Shittu, representing the singer’s family, addressed reporters on Wednesday after a coroner’s inquest. The pathologist cited the body’s state as hindering a definitive cause of death, though a potential reaction to administered medication before his death is under scrutiny. Shittu clarified the pathologist’s inability to confirm if the drugs were the cause.
“He said, ‘According to him (pathologist), the cause of death cannot be determined because, by the time they conducted the test, the body had decomposed, making it impossible to determine the cause of death. So, in summary, he is saying the cause of death cannot be ascertained. When you say the cause of death cannot be ascertained, it means it is suspicious, it is not clear. No particular reason. He went further to say that he does not know whether it is those drugs that led to the death,’” he added.
Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, and was laid to rest the next day at the age of 27, sparking controversies that prompted the Lagos State Government to initiate a coroner’s inquest. The inquest, which commenced on October 13, 2023, is ongoing at the Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court. Dr. Richard Somiari, Director of Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, informed Coroner Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi on March 20, 2024, that the investigation into Mohbad’s death also involves a possible poisoning scenario.
“We anticipated receiving the initial autopsy results within three to four weeks to authenticate the cause of death. We explored multiple possibilities, including the involvement of poison, as no definite cause was mentioned,” Somiari stated.
The forensic expert assured the public of stringent security and monitoring procedures for autopsy samples. “We have a designated storage facility for the safety and security of results. There are strict protocols for monitoring samples transferred abroad,” he noted.
Testifying, Mr. Sadiq Ayobami, popularly known as Spendy, disclosed seeing the deceased a day before his demise. He recounted attending a concert in Ikorodu with Mohbad and returning to his residence, leaving before the singer’s passing.
Mrs. Abiodun Kolawole, an activist representing the African Women Lawyers Association, encouraged the deceased’s parents to pursue legal channels regarding the paternity of the singer’s child, rather than resorting to social media for grievances.
