The Coroner's Court based in Ikorodu, Lagos, has suggested that an auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, should face criminal charges in connection with the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely recognized as Mohbad.
The official investigation initiated by the state government to examine the events leading to the singer's death commenced on September 29, 2023. Nineteen witnesses provided their statements.
On Friday, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi delivered her decision, stating that the nurse showed serious carelessness by giving an injection to the singer without a physician's order.
Even though the court determined there was no evidence of foul play or murder, it found that the nurse's actions were "unlawful and professionally careless."
She stated, "Taking into account all the evidence, I can confirm the cause of death. However, the majority of the evidence indicates that the death was sudden, happening within minutes or hours following the administration of injection drugs by an unauthorized individual or through improper means. There was no natural cause that could explain the death. There was no indication of murder or intentional harm, but there was medical evidence. An irregular burial without a proper investigation, medical certificate, or police report is important to the court of justice."
Following section 29 of the Lagos State coroner laws, this court suggests that the prosecution of the unlicensed medical staff by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution should initiate suitable legal action against Felicia Ogedengbe for unauthorized medical activities and serious negligence.
The coroner also determined that Mohbad went through a series of challenging times prior to his passing, having been betrayed by his support network, which included his family, public organizations, and the music sector.
The coroner sounded the alarm about widespread failures in overseeing the health sector, noting that these deficiencies have allowed unlicensed and unqualified people to work as medical professionals without proper oversight or responsibility.
In a separate order, the coroner initiated a formal inquiry into the Nigeria Police's inaction concerning a petition submitted by the late musician prior to his passing. The court also instructed the appropriate authorities to assess if the lack of response constituted official neglect.
The magistrate added, 'Considering the extensive evidence of ongoing harassment, not just from security personnel and the Nigerian Police Force, the Human Rights Commission must look into all widely shared reports of intimidation or violence.'
During the funeral organized by the deceased's father, Joseph Aloba, the magistrate recognized the cultural reasons that influenced his choice to carry out the "hasty" and "undignified" burial.
However, it emphasized that he should have still completed the required legal and medical processes, such as obtaining a death certificate and conducting an autopsy following the unexpected passing of the talented artist.
The father's actions, although possibly influenced by cultural beliefs, showed a lack of procedural accountability in every burial, particularly considering the suspicion and natural conditions. The court determined that Mr. Aloba's behavior hindered forensic investigations, possibly delaying any opportunity for an inquiry.
"The following public claim and accusation, lacking supporting evidence, has further damaged his reputation and intentions. In situations where death seems unusual or sudden in a young adult without a terminal illness, a father genuinely seeking the truth would have opted for an autopsy and legal procedures before burial," she said.
The coroner noted that Omowunmi, the deceased's partner, was fully aware of the medical crisis but did not push for emergency services or guarantee appropriate ambulance assistance when Mohbad started vomiting and having seizures. Rather, several family members were seen fanning him and trying to move him on their own.
The coroner also highlighted that the most significant point was that, after Mohbad's death, Omowunmi remained notably quiet in questioning the conditions of his sudden illness. Although she lived with him as his wife and was the mother of his child, her complaints about harassment, abuse, and threats from the music industry only gained strength after his funeral and amid public anger.
The coroner also questioned why her voice was missing when it was most needed, and why there was no demand for a death certificate or a push for an investigation prior to the funeral.
"Although she might have felt overwhelmed, emotionally troubled, or ignored by the father, it was her duty as a wife and the last person present at the deceased's side to speak up, protest, or at minimum record the procedural issues at the time of death and burial. The wife, despite being deeply affected emotionally, holds some moral and practical responsibility for the silence around the death and the rushed burial. A more proactive and protective reaction was anticipated considering her role," the magistrate stated.
Legal advisor to Mohbad's family, Wahab Shittu, SAN, voiced approval of the suggestions.
This is a coroner who has demonstrated that she possesses intelligence, a sense of equilibrium, and moral integrity.
He mentioned that the next step would involve urging the authorities to adopt the suggestions and guarantee that the police thoroughly examine the petition submitted by the deceased musician and the events surrounding his passing.
Advice given to Mohbad's wife, Kabir Akingbolu, who also took a comparable position regarding the suggestions, stated that it wasn't his client's responsibility to prevent the father from burying the husband.
A 26-year-old man reportedly passed away on September 12, 2023, following an injury to the back of his right arm. He received treatment and was given an injection at his Lekki residence by a nurse, and died soon after experiencing a sudden seizure. His funeral took place the next day.
After significant public reaction, the body was removed from its resting place on September 21, 2023, for a post-mortem examination as directed by the Lagos State Government.
The results from the autopsy, released on April 29, 2024, indicated that the cause of death could not be determined because the internal organs were "in a condition of moderate to severe decay."
The second autopsy was requested by the Coroner in June 2024, following the family's petition for an independent examination.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).