Mobhad: How singer’s family went from demanding autopsy to rejecting it
After the last autopsy result saga, the family of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, have come out to reject the autopsy results, demanding an independent post-mortem and toxicology analysis to uncover the true cause of his death.
Mohbad, who died on September 12 at the age of 27 under controversial circumstances, had his remains exhumed by the police for an autopsy on September 21 in order to determine the cause of his sudden death after outrage from fans.
However, the autopsy results were deemed inconclusive by Sunday Osiyemi, a pathologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Osiyemi attributed the inconclusiveness to factors such as body decomposition and potential reactions to medications Mohbad had received before his death.
Challenge to Autopsy Authenticity
Premium Times reported that the Aloba family led by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, and their legal team headed by Wahab during a virtual press conference challenged the Lagos State Government to confirm the authenticity of the autopsy expressing dissatisfaction with the inconclusive autopsy results and demanded a thorough investigation.
The family raised concerns about the location where the autopsy was conducted, seeking clarification and transparency.
The Aloba family specifically questioned the reported toxicology test, allegedly conducted in the United States. A news report by Punch on May 31, 2024, titled “US Lab denies conducting poison test on Mohbad,” added to the controversy. The family and their legal team wondered how the letterhead and address of the National Medical Services Laboratories in Pennsylvania appeared on the toxicology report if the test was not conducted there.
They stated, “This outcome is entirely unacceptable to us and the Aloba family and raises serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation by the police and the medical team into the untimely death of their beloved son, brother, and friend.”
Read Also
Ojude Oba: All you need to know about Ijebu’s magnificent festival
From over N15k to N12k — how MultiChoice reversed DStv, Gotv prices after backlash
The likely impact of Victor Osimhen vs George Finidi saga on Super Eagles’ W/C qualification
Demands for Justice
Mohbad’s family has called for the re-examination of the toxicology samples by a reputable and internationally recognized forensic laboratory. They stressed the need for fairness and adherence to the highest forensic science standards. Additionally, they demanded a thorough review of the procedures and protocols followed during the initial toxicology test to ensure no procedural lapses or contamination occurred.
The family also urged the involvement of independent international forensic experts to oversee and validate the re-examination process. This, they believe, would restore confidence in the findings and ensure all possible avenues are explored.
In addition, they called upon relevant authorities to expedite the re-examination process, demanding the intervention of the Inspector General of Nigeria Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to unravel the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and bring the perpetrators to justice.
They appealed to the Coroner’s Inquest presiding magistrate to ensure an independent toxicology report is submitted before finalizing the case. They have an application before the Coroner’s Court seeking approval for an independent autopsy and toxicology test.
They stated, “That is the only way justice can be served in this case. We appreciate the support and understanding of the public during this challenging time and assure everyone that the Aloba family will not rest until the truth is revealed and justice is served, particularly to the memory of the late Mohbad.”
Addressing concerns about body decomposition, the family argued that it should not hinder the autopsy’s effectiveness. They highlighted that, in other cases, deceased individuals exhumed after many years could still have their cause of death determined through advanced tests.
The family believes that seeking collaboration with other experts could lead to uncovering the truth. They suggested that the matter might be covered up by powerful individuals, but insisted that justice would prevail if the police conducted a thorough investigation.
