The Coroner’s Court sitting in Ikorodu, Lagos, has recommended the criminal prosecution of auxiliary nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe for her role in the sudden demise of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, who delivered the ruling on Friday, held that the nurse acted with “gross negligence” by administering an injection without a doctor’s prescription, ultimately leading to the artist’s sudden death. While ruling out homicide or foul play, the court stressed that the act was “unlawful and professionally negligent.”
The ruling followed a months-long inquest launched by the Lagos State Government on September 29, 2023, in response to intense public outcry. Nineteen witnesses gave testimony during the hearing.
Nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe
Magistrate Shotobi stated that evidence confirmed the singer died within hours of receiving the injection at his Lekki residence, adding that there was no proof of natural causes, but rather a clear case of unauthorised medical practice.
“In pursuance of Section 29 of the Coroner Laws of Lagos State, this court recommends that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution commence prosecution against Felicia Ogedengbe for unlawful medical practice and gross negligence,” the coroner ruled.
Baba Mohbad
Beyond the nurse’s role, the court also called attention to systemic failures and multiple lapses in the events that followed the singer’s death. The magistrate criticised the singer’s father, Joseph Aloba, for conducting a “hasty and undignified” burial without obtaining a death certificate, medical report, or police clearance.
“Though cultural beliefs may have influenced his actions, they obstructed forensic investigations and delayed justice,” she said, adding that Mr. Aloba’s later public statements lacked supporting evidence and compromised his credibility.
Negligence on Wunmi’s part
Mohbad’s partner, Omowunmi, was also faulted for failing to insist on emergency services or demand accountability at the point of death and burial. Despite living with the late singer and being the mother of his child, the court observed that her “assertive response only emerged after public outrage.”
While acknowledging that she may have been emotionally overwhelmed, the court noted that “as the last person with the deceased, more protective and responsible action was expected.”
Police’s inaction after Mohbad’s petition against Sam Larry
The court further ordered a formal investigation into the Nigeria Police’s inaction over a petition filed by Mohbad before his death, noting that their failure to act might amount to official negligence. The Human Rights Commission was also urged to investigate allegations of harassment and intimidation involving security forces and music industry figures.
Bullying Allegations: Sam Larry, Naira Marley
While the court ruled out direct foul play or homicide, it confirmed that Mohbad suffered significant psychological trauma before his death, linked to repeated bullying and harassment from individuals, including music executive Naira Marley and show promoter Sam Larry. However, it found no direct causal link between their actions and his actual demise.
Conclusion
The magistrate further indicted all those close to Mohbad, stating that everyone around him failed him, including his family, friends, the Nigeria Police Force, and the broader music industry. The court said that these parties contributed to an unsafe environment for the late singer, particularly during his final days.
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, after reportedly sustaining an injury and receiving treatment at home. He was buried the following day. Amid public demands for clarity, his body was exhumed on September 21 for autopsy, though the first examination was inconclusive due to organ decomposition. A second autopsy was later commissioned.
Reacting to the coroner’s findings, Wahab Shittu, SAN, counsel to Mohbad’s family, expressed satisfaction, commending the magistrate’s depth and fairness. “This is one coroner who has the brain, balance, and conscience,” he said.
Counsel to Mohbad’s partner, Kabir Akingbolu, also welcomed the recommendations but clarified that Omowunmi should not be blamed for failing to stop the burial, stressing that the situation was beyond her control.
With the coroner’s recommendations now public, pressure mounts on authorities to take swift legal action.
