The Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has ordered substituted service on key witnesses involved in the ongoing investigation into the death of musician Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.
The court’s decision, granted by Magistrate T.A. Sotobi on August 16, 2024, comes in response to a motion filed by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba. The court has directed that these witnesses be notified through a recognized national newspaper and social media to ensure their prompt attendance at the inquest.
Among those summoned are Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley; Samson Eletu, also known as Sam Larry; Karimot Ogunbayo, Mohbad’s sister-in-law; Boluwatife Adeyemo, aka Darosha; and Mohbad’s lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade.
Additionally, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the nurse who reportedly treated Mohbad before his death, and Fidelis Esanbor, the driver who transported him to the hospital, have also been listed as witnesses.
The Aloba family’s legal team, led by Mr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), argued for the inclusion of these individuals, stressing the importance of their testimonies in uncovering the truth about the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
In a statement issued by their legal representative, Monisola Odumosu, the Aloba family announced that the Coroner’s Court granted their request on August 16.
The legal team revealed that they had also sought and obtained an order to issue witness summons to individuals with relevant information, compelling them to testify about the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and any potential connections to it
The statement said agreed with the legal team of Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, that the new witnesses “should be served via substituted means in a reputable national newspaper and social media to ensure prompt attendance of the new witnesses”.
It said, “The application, which was argued by the legal team led by Mr Wahab Shittu SAN (leading Emmanuel Oroko Esq., Miss. Monisola Odumosu, Emmanuel Sadoh, Dr. A.R. Ahmed, Oluyemi Osalusi Esq., Wole Ariyibi and Sadiq Kamo) representing Mr Joseph Aloba, sought an order of the coroner’s court to issue Witness Summons on interested persons as witnesses to give evidence on the connection and circumstances leading to the death of late Ilerioluwa Promise Aloba (Mohbad), who died in suspicious circumstances on September 12, 2023.
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“Mr. Joseph Aloba also asked for an order to issue Witness Summons against Nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, Boluwatife Adeyemo (A.K.A Darosha), Karimot Titilayo Ogunbayo, Barr. Oluwasanmi Falade (Mohbad’s lawyer), and Fidelis Esanbor (driver), Azeez Fashola (aka Naira Marley), Balogun Samson Eletu respectively, to give evidence of what they know in connection and circumstances leading to the death of Mr Ilerioluwa Promise Aloba (Mohbad), in suspicious circumstances on the 12th day of September 2023 on a date convenient and to be determined by the coroner.”
In addition to the new witness summonses, the court also approved a separate application to recall two significant figures in the case: Wunmi, Mohbad’s wife, and ASP Muhammad Yusuf, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) responsible for the investigation. This recall is intended to address fresh concerns and clarify certain ambiguous allegations, including claims made by Wunmi about an alleged altercation in their home shortly before Mohbad’s death.
The legal team representing Primeboy, another individual connected to the case, has also requested the recall of Wunmi and ASP Yusuf to provide further clarification. Lawyer Akinpelu Ogunbona, who argued the motion on behalf of Primeboy, indicated that new issues had arisen that required additional testimony from these key witnesses to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
Mohbad, a former Marlian Music artiste, died at the age of 27 on September 12, 2023, under circumstances that have sparked significant controversy and debate on social media. Prior to his death, Mohbad had left Naira Marley’s record label in February 2022, citing multiple instances of assault and threats to his life. These allegations have fueled public interest in the ongoing inquest, with many eager to uncover the truth behind the musician’s untimely demise.
The Coroner’s Court has adjourned the case to allow time for the witness summonses to be issued and for the witnesses to appear in court as required. The inquest into Mohbad’s death continues, with the court determined to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the case to ensure justice is served.
