NLC, TUC strike stalls Mohbad’s coroner inquest

The ongoing two-day-old workers’ strike has stalled the coroner’s inquest into the death of popular rapper, singer, and songwriter Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad.

Born in Lagos on January 3, 1996, Mohbad died under controversial circumstances on September 12, 2023, and was buried the next day.

His death sparked nationwide protests, forcing the Lagos government to order the exhumation of the body for a coroner’s inquest.

The last sitting of the coroner was adjourned until Wednesday (today) to determine the cause of death of the 27-year-old singer.

However, security officials at the court refused magistrates and judiciary staff entry into the building to continue the inquest on Wednesday.

A court official who requested anonymity told journalists that the courtroom was not open as there was full compliance with the strike called by the NLC and TUC.

The two unions called the nationwide strike to protest the assault of NLC president Joe Ajaero by hoodlums in Owerri earlier.

Litigants and others lamented the effect of the strike on judicial processes.

Mohbad was said to have attended a concert in Ikorodu on September 10, where he was injured in a skirmish.

Addressing a news conference in Ikeja on October 5 on preliminary findings on Mohbad’s death, police commissioner Idowu Owohunwa named an auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedemgbe, as the prime suspect.

Ms Ogedemgbe reportedly injected him three times in his home on September 12 before he started vomiting and developing goosebumps. The auxiliary nurse gave the injections at the request of Mohbad’s friend, Ayobami Isiaka, aka Spending. The injections were believed to have resulted in the singer’s death.

The police also invited his friend, Ibrahim Owodunni (Primeboy), for questioning, stating that Primeboy and Mohbad went to the concert together on September 10, and they engaged in a violent altercation after the show.

The ensuing fight from the altercation caused harm to the late singer.

“The management of the injury subsequently resulted in his death,” Mr Owohunwa said.

Police also detained Abdul-Aziz Fashola (Naira Marley) and Samson Balogun (Sam Larry) over their roles in the singer’s death. Mohbad was formerly signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Records but left the label in 2022.

Mr Owohunwa explained that Naira Marley was detained because of accusations against him.

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Mr Owohunwa said the police had interviewed 26 people over Mohbad’s death. Among those questioned were the late singer’s father, mother, sisters, brother, friends, wife and manager.

According to Mr Owohunwa, Mohbad was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival on September 12.

(NAN)