A Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has ordered alternative service for key witnesses in the ongoing investigation into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.
According to Punch, the witnesses include Azeez Fashola (aka Naira Marley), Samson Eletu (aka Sam Larry), Mohbad’s sister-in-law Karimot Ogunbayo, Boluwatife Adeyemo (aka Darosha), and Mohbad’s lawyer Oluwasanmi Falade. Also listed are nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who treated the deceased, and the driver Fidelis Esanbor, who transported him to the hospital.
Magistrate T. A. Sotobi approved the application by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, to serve witness summons through a major national newspaper and social media to ensure the witnesses’ attendance.
The court order was granted on August 16, 2024, following a request by the Aloba family’s legal team, led by Mr. Wahab Shittu SAN. The team sought the coroner’s court to issue witness summons to various individuals to provide evidence on the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
The legal team also requested that the court permit service of the summons through publication in a reputable national newspaper, as prior attempts to serve the witnesses directly had failed.
Additionally, the coroner’s court approved the request to recall Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi, and ASP Muhammad Yusuf, the investigating officer, to clarify new issues in the case.
Akinpelu Ogunbona, representing Ibrahim Owodunni (aka Primeboy), argued that both Wunmi and the police need to provide further details to clarify ambiguities related to the alleged altercation in the singer’s home.
The court has adjourned to allow for compliance with the order and for the witnesses to appear on the next scheduled date. Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances.
