Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, presiding over the inquest into the death of late Nigerian singer Mohbad, has confirmed that the final decision will be communicated to all parties involved. This announcement came on Friday during a session at the Magistrates’ Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, following the testimony of the last witness, forensic pathologist Dr. Uwom Eze.
Dr. Eze, who conducted the second autopsy and medical review of Mohbad’s remains after public pressure led to an independent examination, provided critical insights into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death. Under cross-examination by Abiodun Kolawole, representing the African Women Lawyers Association, Dr. Eze clarified that Mohbad had not been abusing hard drugs, despite public speculation. Instead, he was found to have been administered “regulated” doses of antihistamines and painkillers, suggesting he had been suffering from significant discomfort prior to his death.
However, Dr. Eze noted a major gap in the investigation: he could not determine how the injection allegedly given to Mohbad before his death was administered, due to insufficient information. He explained that an injury on the back of Mohbad’s right arm was examined during the autopsy for possible deeper penetration, but the wound was superficial and unlikely to have caused death.
“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 stated.
In a prior session, Dr. Eze acknowledged that the cause of death could not be definitively determined due to the advanced decomposition of Mohbad’s body. However, he suggested that a “severe and rapid hypersensitivity reaction,” likely caused by the injection, could have played a role.
Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Aloba, tragically passed away on September 12, 2023, shortly after receiving an injection from a nurse at his Lekki home. He reportedly developed convulsions and died soon afterward. His burial took place the following day.
Dr. Eze also described the treatment provided by the nurse as resembling a “medical misadventure” during questioning by the family’s lead counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN).
As the inquest draws to a close, the public and all involved parties eagerly await the coroner’s final verdict, which is expected to shed light on the unresolved questions surrounding Mohbad’s untimely death.
