The Lagos State Coroner’s Inquest into the controversial death of music star Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has concluded with a verdict of medical negligence and key recommendations, including the prosecution of the unlicensed nurse who treated him in his final hours.
The 26-year-old artist died on September 12, 2023, after reportedly sustaining an injury and receiving an injection at his Lekki residence from Nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who was unlicensed.
Following widespread public outcry, the Lagos Judiciary convened a Coroner’s Inquest at the Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court, led by Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi. Nineteen witnesses, including family members, medical experts, and other relevant parties, testified during the proceedings.
While a definitive cause of death could not be determined due to body decomposition, the Coroner ruled that Mohbad likely suffered a fatal reaction to the injection, pointing to gross medical negligence, not foul play.
“I cannot certify a true cause of death, but I draw a link from the sudden reaction after the deceased was injected by the nurse,” the Coroner stated.
Despite testimonies suggesting alleged bullying and threats from Naira Marley and Sam Larry, the court found no direct link between them and Mohbad’s death.
However, it urged further investigation into police inaction on a prior petition filed by Mohbad over threats to his life.
The Coroner also criticized the circumstances of Mohbad’s hasty and undignified burial, faulting both his father, Joseph Aloba, for not demanding a death certificate or autopsy, and his wife, Wunmi, for not insisting on proper medical care and for failing to properly document the handling of his body.
In its broader findings, the Coroner cited systemic failure across family, medical institutions, public bodies, and the music industry.
Key Recommendations:
Prosecution of Nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe for gross medical negligence.
Proper and urgent reburial of Mohbad.
Investigation into police inaction on Mohbad’s prior petitions.
Strengthening of laws to combat bullying and exploitation in the music industry.
Ban on unlicensed administration of intravenous medication.
Mandatory investigation of sudden deaths involving young, healthy persons before burial.
The findings mark a pivotal step toward accountability and reform, while offering partial closure in one of Nigeria’s most painful entertainment tragedies.
Reporting by Wahab Akinlade