Mohbad Inquest: Coroner to Announce Verdict Date as Forensic Pathologist Testifies

The Coroner, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, presiding over the inquest into the death of late singer Mohbad, has stated that the final decision date will be communicated to all involved parties.

This update came during Friday’s session at the Magistrates’ Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, where the final witness, forensic pathologist Dr. Uwom Eze, gave his testimony. Dr. Eze had conducted a second autopsy and medical review following public outcry for an independent investigation.

Under cross-examination by Abiodun Kolawole of the African Women Lawyers Association, Dr. Eze clarified that Mohbad was not abusing hard drugs, contrary to public speculation. He explained that the late singer had only been given regulated doses of antihistamines and painkillers — common medications for allergies and pain relief — indicating the artist was in significant discomfort before his passing.

However, a crucial detail remains unclear: how the injection reportedly given to Mohbad before his death was administered.

“Even a newborn baby won’t die from that injury. At the time I conducted the autopsy, the injury wasn’t even there, perhaps due to post-mortem changes. I couldn’t tell how the injection was given, because I had already lost (his) fluids,” Dr. Eze said.

Earlier, Dr. Eze had also noted that the cause of death could not be definitively determined due to the body’s decomposition but pointed to a likely “severe and rapid hypersensitivity reaction” to an injected substance.

Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Aloba, died on September 12, 2023, after sustaining an injury and receiving treatment from a nurse at his Lekki residence. He reportedly developed convulsions shortly after the injection and died soon after, being buried the next day.

When questioned by Wahab Shittu (SAN), lead counsel for Mohbad’s family, Dr. Eze described the treatment given as a possible “medical misadventure.”

As the coroner’s inquest draws to a close, the public awaits a final verdict that could finally shed light on the lingering mystery behind Mohbad’s untimely death.