One year after Mohbad’s death there are still numerous controversies surrounding his passing.
Nigerian musician MohBad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, on September 12, 2023, died at the age of 27.
MohBad was last seen performing at a show on September 10, 2023, and appeared to be in good health at that time.
However, he died two days later under mysterious circumstances. Initial reports indicated he was brought to Perez Medcare Hospital already deceased, with no vital signs present upon arrival.
MohBad was buried on September 13, 2023, in Ikorodu, Lagos, less than 24 hours after his death. This swift burial raised eyebrows among fans, as it was customary in Yoruba culture to bury the deceased quickly if both parents are alive.
Initial Investigation
Following his death, a social media campaign emerged, demanding a thorough investigation.
The Lagos State Police Command initiated an inquiry, which included exhuming MohBad’s body for an autopsy on September 21, 2023.
The investigation revealed that he had sustained injuries from a fight with a childhood friend, Prime Boy, which may have contributed to his death.
The auxiliary nurse, Fisayo Ogedengbe, was identified as a prime suspect after admitting that the injections she administered led to severe reactions, including vomiting and convulsions, which ultimately resulted in his death
#Justice4MohBad movement
His death ignited the #Justice4MohBad movement, with protests and calls for accountability from those associated with him, particularly Naira Marley and Sam Larry, who were implicated in past harassment and bullying incidents against the artist.
Numerous tributes poured in from fans and fellow artists, including a candlelight procession and tribute concert on September 21, 2023, attended by many celebrities and fans.
Naira Marley and Sam Larry Involvement
The investigation has implicated several individuals, including Naira Marley and Sam Larry, who have faced accusations of harassment and threats against MohBad during his lifetime.
Both were reportedly out of the country at the time of his death but returned to assist with the investigation.
Naira Marley and Sam Larry were questioned by the police regarding their alleged involvement in the death of Mohbad.
Evidence linked them to cyberbullying, physical abuse, and assault against Mohbad prior to his death.
They were remanded in police custody for 21 days on October 6, 2023.
On November 6, 2023, a Magistrate’s Court in Yaba, Lagos, granted Naira Marley and Sam Larry bail in the sum of ₦20 million each, subject to three obligations.
They were required to submit their passports and report weekly to the State’s Criminal Investigation Department at Panti, Yaba.
On November 17, 2023, Naira Marley and Sam Larry were released from custody after meeting their bail conditions.
Mohbad’s mother, Abosede, also alleged that Naira Marley and Sam Larry frustrated her son to death, claiming they were always getting him into problems.
She recounted incidents where Mohbad was beaten by Naira Marley and Sam Larry, leading to hospitalizations and hypertension.
However, Naira Marley’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, stated that there is no evidence to support claims that Naira Marley bullied Mohbad.
Sam Larry’s lawyer also defended him, stating that a video circulating online of Sam Larry attacking Mohbad during a music video shoot did not reflect the true position of things.
Autopsy Controversies
Following widespread skepticism about the circumstances of Mohbad’s death, his body was exhumed for a second autopsy at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Initial autopsy results were deemed inconclusive, leading to demands for an independent investigation.
On June 7, 2024, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital reported that the initial autopsy
found no significant gross findings that could explain Mohbad’s death.
However, toxicology results indicated the presence of Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, but at non-fatal levels. The Aloba family rejected these findings, insisting on further independent testing.
Family Dispute/DNA Saga
Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the investigation process, including delays in obtaining a police report.
Joseph Aloba also initiated a legal process to request a DNA test to confirm the paternity of Liam, the child born to Mohbad and his wife, Wunmi.
The Chief Magistrates Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, has been handling the application for the DNA test. The court has adjourned proceedings multiple times, urging both parties to explore settlement options.
However, attempts at negotiation between the Aloba family and Wunmi have reportedly failed due to “external factors”
The paternity dispute has intensified the emotional strain on the Aloba family, with public opinions divided on the necessity of the DNA test.
Some family members and supporters argue that it is essential for clarity and closure, while others believe it is unnecessary given Mohbad’s acknowledgment of his child
Coroner’s Inquest
The Lagos State government initiated a coroner’s inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
The inquest has summoned individuals connected to Mohbad, but the process has been criticized for its lack of transparency and efficiency
In the lead-up to his death anniversary, Activist and actor Yomi Fabiyi called for protests on the anniversary of Mohbad’s death, urging the public to attend the next court session of the coroner’s inquest to demand justice if no progress was made before the anniversary.
The Coroner’s Court during a session on September 12, 2024, threatened to subpoena Naira Marley and Sam Larry for failing to appear at the ongoing inquest into the death of Mohbad.
This decision followed an application from Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, to serve witness summons through a national newspaper and social media due to the absence of key witnesses
So far the key witnesses include Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley; Samson Eletu aka Sam Larry; Mohbad’s sister-in-law, Karimot Ogunbayo; Mohbad’s lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade, the nurse who was said to have treated the deceased singer during the period, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and the driver who drove him to the hospital, Fidelis Esanbor.
The Coroner’s Court has adjourned the hearing until September 30, 2024, with the expectation that Naira Marley and Sam Larry, will be present.
Public Reaction
Mohbad’s death has resonated deeply within the Nigerian music community and among fans, leading to an outpouring of grief and calls for justice.
The circumstances surrounding MohBad’s death have led to a broader conversation about mental health and the treatment of artists within the Nigerian music industry.
