By Lukman Olabiyi
As September 12 approaches, marking exactly one year since the tragic passing of the rising Afrobeat star, Ilerioluwa Olademeji Aloba, better known as Mohbad, the echoes of his untimely death continue to reverberate through the corridors of controversy and unresolved grief.
Mohbad’s death, initially surrounded by the bright lights of fame and celebration, swiftly descended into a cloud of media frenzy and suspicion. What was initially reported as natural causes has been marred by skepticism and a public clamour for a deeper investigation. Despite an official autopsy intended to shed light on the circumstances of his demise, the report has sparked further debate, casting long shadows over his family, friends, associates and the broader Nigerian music community.
The official autopsy, which was meant to serve as a definitive account, instead, became a centerpiece of controversy. Critics argued that its findings did not align with the symptoms and conditions leading up to Mohbad’s death.
Accusations of mishandling and a lack of transparency have been levied against the authorities, prompting the Lagos State government to initiate a coroner’s inquest, which eventually ordered a second autopsy. The move reflected the widespread mistrust in the integrity of the initial investigation.
In the aftermath of Mohbad’s death, his family and close associates have been embroiled in a bitter dispute over accountability. The search for answers has seen fingers pointed in multiple directions: from alleged negligence by medical professionals to possible foul play within Mohbad’s inner circle. This blame game has compounded the family’s suffering and further complicated the process of coming to terms with their loss.
Adding to the complexity is the contentious issue surrounding Mohbad’s child. The child’s paternity has become a battleground of speculation and conflicting claims. Mohbad’s father is advocating for a DNA test to settle the matter once and for all, while the child’s mother and others argue that such a test is unnecessary and unwarranted. This dispute has intensified family dynamics and legal entanglements, with various factions fighting to assert their positions.
The recent outburst by the deceased’s mother on social media, targeting her late son’s wife, has sparked widespread interest and speculation about the cause of the singer’s death. Mohbad’s mother, who has previously supported the deceased’s wife against the calls for investigation by Mohbad’s father, has publicly accused the wife of betrayal.
The police, responsible for investigating Mohbad’s death, have also faced criticism for their handling of the case. Allegations of a poorly executed investigation, marked by delays, inadequate evidence collection and a lack of urgency, have surfaced. The police’s approach has been scrutinized, with accusations of inefficiency and potential bias colouring the public’s perception of their efforts.
Moreover, a recent petition against the police by the family of the late singer has raised questions on the competency of the Nigeria Police when it comes to crime investigation and professionalism.
The petition, submitted by the Aloba family to both the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission (PSC), reflected concerns about the capability, integrity and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force, as well as allegations of corruption. The petition, drafted by a lawyer, Taiwo Odumosu, on behalf of the Aloba family, articulated several serious issues regarding the handling of their son’s case.
The family is particularly troubled by the perceived incompetence and lack of diligence from the current investigative team. They have called for the disbandment of this team and urged the IGP to deploy a specialized team from police headquarters to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
One major concern highlighted by the family is the failure to secure the crime scene at the time of Mohbad’s death. According to the family, that crucial step, essential for preserving evidence, was not undertaken and the lapse allowed for potential contamination or destruction of evidence, which severely undermined the investigation’s integrity.
Additionally, the family reported that, although Mohbad had installed a functioning CCTV system in his apartment, the DVR was removed after his death. The investigating officers reportedly did not address the issue, raising questions about their thoroughness and professionalism.
Mr. Joseph Aloba, the deceased’s father, also recounted his experience of being denied a police report after waiting for three hours at the police station. To him, the delay not only impeded the investigation but also demonstrated a lack of sensitivity towards a grieving father seeking justice for his son.
The family also pointed to significant shortcomings revealed during recent coroner’s court proceedings. They noted that critical evidence and witness testimonies, such as bloodstains on the walls and a blood-stained duvet, were either ignored or inadequately addressed by the police. These observations, particularly those made by Mohbad’s younger brother, other family members and friends, they said, raised questions about the handling of evidence and the investigation’s overall credibility.
Furthermore, the family expressed concern over the lack of forensic examination of key evidence, specifically Mohbad’s iPhone and Samsung phones, which are reportedly in his wife’s possession. The family believes that a detailed forensic analysis of these devices could provide crucial insights into the events leading up to Mohbad’s death.
The petitioner also raised suspicions about a potential cover-up, questioning whether the selective presentation of evidence and inaction on important testimonies are indicative of an effort to protect certain individuals or interests. The family’s plea underscores the need for a thorough, transparent, and professional investigation into Mohbad’s death, free from any undue influence or corruption.
In light of the alleged deficiencies and apparent biases in the current investigation, the family requested for the following actions to ensure justice for Mohbad and to restore public confidence in the integrity of the police force: removal of the existing team handling the case in Lagos due to their alleged unprofessional and inadequate management of the investigation; reassignment of a team of seasoned investigators from Abuja to work alongside the Aloba family in uncovering the truth behind Mohbad’s death; probe of all police officers involved, from those at the Lekki Police Post to the current investigative team and also to scrutinize their bank accounts.
The petitioner held that the Aloba family, along with the public, deserves justice, transparency, and accountability. They noted that restoring trust in the police force is crucial and requires addressing these concerns with the utmost seriousness.
The coroner’s inquest, initiated by the government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death, is still ongoing. The panel has summoned all individuals who had connections with the deceased prior to his death to provide their accounts and insights into the case.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s body, which was initially buried but later exhumed during the investigation and transferred to the morgue, remains there to this day. There is still no definitive date set for its final burial.
As the first anniversary of Mohbad’s death approaches, the search for answers continues. The unresolved issues surrounding his passing continue to cast a pall over those affected.
The unresolved controversies and ongoing disputes reflect a broader struggle to find closure and justice. For Mohbad’s family, fans and the music community, the quest for truth about the death of the talented hip-hop act who died at the age of 27, years remains a poignant and unresolved chapter in the narrative of a life that ended too soon.