The Lagos State Coroner, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Afrobeat singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has recommended the prosecution of the unlicensed nurse who administered medical treatment on him in his final hours.
The coroner, who made the recommendation while making his findings public on Friday, also called for the reform of the Nigerian music industry.
Magistrate Shotobi concluded that Mohbad’s death resulted from systemic failures involving his family, the medical system, public institutions, and the music industry.
The artist died on September 12, 2023, just two days after reportedly sustaining an injury to the back of his right arm.
It was reported that he suffered a convulsion shortly after being allegedly injected at his Lekki residence by Nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe.
The Lagos State government had set up the inquest following public outcry and a request from the law firm of Femi Falana (SAN) over the sudden death of the budding singer.
19 witnesses, including family members, some suspects and medical experts, testified during the proceedings.
Family members, along with their lawyer, Wahab Shittu (SAN), Kabir Akingbola, and Abiola Kolawole from the African Women Lawyers Association, were present as the Coroner delivered the highly anticipated verdict.
Magistrate Shotobi, in his findings, relied on testimony from two pathologists who conducted separate autopsies on the deceased.
The coroner found that while the decomposed state of Mohbad’s body made it challenging to determine a definitive cause of death, a severe reaction to the injection was the most probable cause.
He classified the incident as a case of medical negligence rather than foul play.
Magistrate Shotobi stated, “I cannot certify an actual cause of death, but I draw a connection from the sudden reaction after the deceased was injected by the nurse.
“The death is not linked to any evidence of foul play, but to medical negligence.
“Although testimonies from Mohbad’s wife, Wunmi, and others suggested alleged bullying and threats from his former label boss Azeez Fashola (also known as Naira Marley) and associate Sam Larry, the court found no direct link between these allegations and his immediate cause of death,” he stated.
The Coroner also criticised the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s rapid burial, labelling it as “undignified.” He faulted his father, Joseph Aloba, for failing to obtain a death certificate or conduct an autopsy before the burial, even after receiving financial support from fellow artist Davido.
He also criticised Mohbad’s wife for not insisting on proper medical care and for failing to document the mishandling of his body.
Among the Coroner’s key recommendations were:
* Prosecution of Nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe for gross medical negligence.
* An urgent and proper reburial of the late artist.
* Investigation into police inaction regarding the petition Mohbad filed, alleging threats to his life.
* Stronger legal frameworks to address bullying and exploitation in the entertainment industry.
* A ban on unlicensed individuals administering intravenous medication.
* Mandatory investigations into the sudden deaths of young and seemingly healthy individuals before burial.
