The Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, has warned that it may subpoena several key witnesses who have failed to appear at the ongoing inquest into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. Magistrate T.A. Sotobi made the threat after hearing an application from Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, for witness summonses to be served through national newspapers and social media.
Notable figures being summoned include Naira Marley (Azeez Fashola), Sam Larry (Samson Eletu), Mohbad’s sister-in-law Karimot Ogunbayo, his lawyer Oluwasanmi Falade, nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and his driver, Fidelis Esanbor. However, during Wednesday’s court session, only one key witness, Mohbad’s close ally Boluwatife Adeyemo, also known as Darosha, appeared in court.
Head of the Aloba family’s legal team, Taiwo Odumosu, expressed the court’s readiness to issue a final summons, with a subpoena as the next step if the witnesses do not appear at the next session, scheduled for September 30.
The family has also raised concerns over the police investigation into Mohbad’s death. In a statement, Odumosu criticized the police for relying on witness statements without conducting thorough investigations. He also accused the police of refusing to cooperate with the family’s independent forensic investigation, hindering the autopsy and toxicology tests ordered by the court.
Mohbad, aged 27, died on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances. His former association with Marlian Music, owned by Naira Marley, and allegations surrounding his treatment while signed to the label have fueled public interest in the case. Following his death, a 13-member special investigative team was formed by the Lagos State Police Command. The singer’s body was exhumed on September 21 for an autopsy to help determine the cause of his death.
Naira Marley and socialite Sam Larry have since been arrested in connection with the case, as investigations continue.
