Mohbad’s Family Rejects Autopsy Report, Demands Independent Investigation

The family of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, rejected the autopsy result conducted by the Lagos State Government, citing discrepancies and demanding an independent toxicology test to find out the major cause of his death.

The family’s legal representative, Wahab Shittu, expressed worry at a briefing in Lagos over the autopsy report sent to the Coroner’s court by Prof. Sunday Soyemi, a forensic scientist and pathologist who is attached to LASUTH. He said that the family found traces of discrepancies between the findings of the Nigerian Police and state medical experts.

The family is demanding an independent toxicology test, which could shed further light on the cause of Mohbad’s death. They also questioned the dead silence from the government and police over media reports that a US laboratory denied it did an autopsy on Mohbad, thereby putting a dent in the credibility of the investigation.

The family appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and ensure that a proper investigation regarding Mohbad’s death is carried out. This development underlines the fact that transparency and accountability are expected of its investigation processes to really give closure to the family and fans of the late singer.

‘’This outcome is entirely unacceptable to us and the Aloba Family and raises serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation by the police and the medical team into the untimely death of their beloved son, brother, and friend. The Aloba family and, indeed, the whole world demand to know where the toxicology test was carried out as this has impugned the integrity.

“The legal team wonders how the letterhead and the address of the National Medical Services Laboratories in Pennsylvania, USA appeared on the toxicology test report if the test was not truly carried out in the USA.

“The legal team is puzzled more given the discrepancies in the further response given by the NMS laboratories ascribing the test to another sister laboratory. The conflict of interest that bothers professional integrity. The public is interested in knowing the relationship between the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Laboratory, NMS in the USA and ITSI Biosciences who allegedly completed the toxicology test on behalf of the Lagos State government.

“The Aloba Family, in their quest for truth and justice, had hoped that the toxicology test, reportedly conducted in the United States, would shed light on the circumstances surrounding his tragic passing.

“However, the declaration of the test as ‘inconclusive’ fails to provide the clarity needed and undermines the public as well as his family’s faith in the investigative process.

“In light of these developments, the Aloba Family is compelled to denounce the ‘inconclusive’ toxicology test results and put forth the following demands and positions: Independent Re-Examination: We call for an independent re-examination of the toxicology samples by a reputable and internationally recognized forensic laboratory. This re-examination should be conducted with the utmost transparency and adherence to the highest standards of forensic science.

“Comprehensive Review of Procedures: A thorough review of the procedures and protocols followed during the initial toxicology testing is imperative. This review should include an assessment of the chain of custody, handling, and analysis of the samples to ensure that no procedural lapses or contamination occurred.

“Collaboration with International Experts: We urge the involvement of independent international forensic experts to oversee and validate the re-examination process. Their participation will help restore confidence in the findings and ensure that all possible avenues are explored.

“The Aloba Family demands full disclosure of all findings and reports related to the toxicology tests. Transparency is crucial to understanding the cause of death and dispelling any doubts or suspicions.

“Time is of the essence in this matter. We call upon the relevant authorities to expedite the re-examination process and ensure that the family receives definitive answers without undue delay.

“The Nigeria Police has not done enough in this case. The investigation so far conducted does not show the thoroughness and professionalism expected in a murder case of this nature. We call on the Inspector General of Police to personally intervene in this investigation and bring the perpetrators to book.

“The Aloba Family remains steadfast in their pursuit of truth and justice for Ilerioluwa. They deserve clear, definitive answers regarding the cause of his death, and it is the responsibility of the investigative bodies to provide them with such clarity. The current ‘inconclusive’ results only serve to prolong their agony and uncertainty, which is both unfair and unjust.

“Considering the Coroner Inquest, we appeal to the presiding Magistrate at to ensure that an independent toxicology report is submitted to the Coroner’s Court before submitting the final report to the authorities. Presently, we have an application before the Coroner Court seeking approval to conduct an independent autopsy and toxicology test.

“We call on the presiding magistrate in the matter to expedite a hearing on the independent autopsy and toxicology application. That is the only way justice can be served in this case”. the family said.

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Mohbad, whose death occurred on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, resulted in quite a controversial investigation. An autopsy to ascertain the cause of death was conducted after exhumation on September 21.

A LASUTH pathologist, Professor Osiyemi, revealed that the result of such an autopsy was inconclusive. The major factors responsible for this development had to do with decomposition and probable drug interactions. The family is in search of answers and demands an in-depth investigation.