The Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has issued an order for substituted service to key witnesses in the ongoing investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. This move aims to gather crucial evidence surrounding the circumstances of the singer’s passing.
Among those to be served are well-known figures such as singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and music promoter Samson Eletu, also known as Sam Larry. Others include Mohbad’s sister-in-law Karimot Ogunbayo, friend Boluwatife Adeyemo (aka Darosha), and his lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade.
Additionally, the court has summoned nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who allegedly treated Mohbad, and Fidelis Esanbor, the driver who reportedly took the singer to the hospital. Magistrate T.A. Sotobi granted the order following an application by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba.
The court approved the service of witness summons through a reputable national newspaper and social media platforms, ensuring that all relevant individuals are notified to appear and testify. The legal team representing the Aloba family, led by Monisola Odumosu, emphasized the importance of bringing these witnesses forward to shed light on the events leading to Mohbad’s tragic death.
The coroner’s inquest seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding the singer’s passing and determine any potential legal or criminal actions that may follow.
Magistrate Sotobi, presiding at the Ikorodu Magistrate Court on August 16, 2024, agreed with the Aloba family’s legal team that substituted service via national newspaper and social media is necessary to ensure the prompt attendance of the new witnesses. The application, argued by a team led by Wahab Shittu SAN, sought an order to issue witness summons to individuals connected to the circumstances leading to Mohbad’s death on September 12, 2023.
The legal team argued that previous attempts to serve these witnesses through the court had been unsuccessful. In addition, the coroner granted a request to recall Mohbad’s wife, Wunmi, and the investigating police officer, ASP Muhammad Yusuf, to clarify new issues that have arisen.
Mohbad’s death at the age of 27 on September 12, 2023, has sparked significant controversy on social media. As a former signee of Marlian Music, owned by Naira Marley, Mohbad 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 of his passing. This led to the arrest of Naira Marley and controversial Lagos socialite Sam Larry, among others.
Mohbad’s body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
