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Lagos-based civic advocacy group, Lagosians For Truth and Justice, has criticised the Nigerian Police over what it described as a poorly managed and inconsistent investigation into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, nearly two years after his passing.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the organisation’s coordinator, Rotimi Da Silva, the group expressed concern that the numerous contradictions and gaps in the investigation have significantly eroded public trust in law enforcement and the justice process surrounding the case.
According to the statement, only a fresh, impartial investigation can provide clarity on the circumstances of the singer’s death.
“The Nigerian Police did not diligently investigate this case. Despite announcing on October 7, 2023, that the case was being treated as homicide, the police failed to seal the residence as a crime scene,” the group said.
The advocacy organisation also raised concerns about the apparent lack of scrutiny of individuals who were with Mohbad during his final 24 hours, including his partner. “Instead, the police relied heavily on narratives handed to them without conducting an independent, comprehensive investigation,” the statement added.
Lagosians For Truth and Justice further criticised the Lagos State Government for its handling of Mohbad’s toxicology results, highlighting unresolved contradictions that remain unaddressed. “A key promise was that Mohbad’s samples were sent to NMS Pennsylvania. Shockingly, NMS publicly denied ever receiving samples bearing the name Ilerioluwa Aloba. To date, the Lagos State Government has not refuted or clarified this contradiction,” the group said.
The organisation also referenced discrepancies highlighted during the coroner’s inquest. They noted that Mohbad’s father, Aduragbemi Aloba, had testified under oath, stating that anyone claiming to have seen his son after 12 noon on Monday should come forward, implying that Mohbad may have been alive later than previously suggested.
Similarly, conflicting testimonies from those present during the singer’s final moments were cited. One witness, Darosha, stated that the body already had an odour and required embalming—an assertion the group argued was scientifically impossible for someone who had been deceased for only a few hours.
The statement further pointed out inconsistencies in the timeline provided by the singer’s partner and a nurse. While the partner initially claimed Mohbad passed away in a hospital, she later told the court he died at home. Meanwhile, the nurse reported treating Mohbad at 2:30 pm, which contradicted the driver’s claim that he was informed by 11 am that the singer had died.
“These conflicting timelines raise serious questions about the circumstances of his death,” the group said, adding that “the date of death is unclear, the time of death is unknown, and the cause of death remains unascertained.” They suggested that these discrepancies could indicate a possible cover-up.
The advocacy group also warned that the perceived mishandling of the case has negatively affected the Lagos State Government’s public image and credibility. In response, they demanded a thorough, independent investigation free from government influence. Their recommendations include re-interrogating everyone present during Mohbad’s final hours, conducting complete forensic analysis of all relevant phones, performing an independent DNA test supervised by the singer’s father, and ensuring that the investigation is transparent and impartial.
Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Aloba, passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. Following his death, the Lagos State Police Command established a 13-man special investigation team to probe the circumstances surrounding his demise. However, the autopsy carried out by the state-appointed pathologist was later declared inconclusive, leaving many questions unanswered.
As calls for justice intensify, civic groups like Lagosians For Truth and Justice continue to press for accountability and clarity, insisting that only an independent investigation can restore public confidence in the case.
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