Mohbad: Coroner Holds Preliminary Sitting, Adjourns to Oct 13

Stories by Steve Aya

The premises of the Justice Candide-Johnson courthouse, Ikorodu, Lagos, was on Friday, September 30, jam-packed with people, as the Coroner inquiring into the cause of death of 27-year-old musician, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad, held its preliminary sitting.

However, journalists were barred from the courtroom and witnessing proceedings. Court officials said this decision was ordered by the Chief Registrar, Tajudeen Elias. It was also gathered that, this move was taken as a crowd control measure.

The deceased’s family counsel, Mrs Funmi Falana, told journalists after the sitting that Magistrate Adetayo Shotobi discussed the modalities of the inquest with all counsel, including the format that witnesses will take to testify. She added that the legal team will present their witnesses at the next hearing, fixed for October 13.

“The essence of the Coroner, is to inquire into the cause of death. It is an inquisitorial sitting, so what we had today was to decide on the modalities as to how and when, and regarding the witnesses that will testify.”

Other interested parties that attended the sitting, include the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and a music record label, TNKAY Music.

The inquest is pursuant to the extant provisions of Sections 14 & 15 of the Coroner Systems Law of Lagos State, Cap C15, Laws of Lagos State 2015. And, it is in response to a letter written by the Chambers of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, to the office of the Chief Coroner over the controversial death which was said to have occurred in the Ikorodu area of the State.

Mohbad died on Tuesday, September 12, and his death has led to a great outcry and several protests, amidst calls by many, for a thorough investigation into the matter due to the questionable manner of his death and burial. Before his death, he had made a series of accusations of being bullied and harassed by his former Manager, Naira Marley who owns the record label, Marlian Music.

He was buried the next day. A few days later, Police authorities exhumed the singer’s body from his grave in Ikorodu.

While an autopsy has since been carried out, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjaminn Hundeyin. said the result is being awaited.