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Today marks one year since the death of popular street pop star Mohbad, who passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. Despite the passage of time, many questions about his untimely demise remain unanswered.
Details Surrounding Mohbad’s Death:
- Initial Reports: According to police, Mohbad was administered injections by a nurse named Feyisayo Ogedengbe. The injections, which included tetanus toxoid, paracetamol, and Cetrazone, triggered severe reactions including vomiting and convulsions, leading to his death. He was rushed to Perez Medcare Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The hospital later clarified that he was not admitted there.
- Hasty Burial: Mohbad was buried the day after his death in Ikorodu, Lagos State. His swift burial raised questions, as he was not a Muslim, and confusion among fans and the public followed. His father, Joseph Aloba, stated that the burial was expedited due to Mohbad’s youth and the fact that the burial site was the only property he owned.
Calls for Investigation and Autopsy:
- Public Outcry: Following Mohbad’s death, there was a strong public demand for an autopsy and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing. This led to petitions to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state’s head coroner.
- Exhumation and Autopsy: The police exhumed Mohbad’s body for an autopsy. The investigation implicated various individuals, including nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, Mohbad’s friends Ayobami Sadiq (Spending) and Primeboy, and former music promoter Sam Larry, in connection with his death.
Controversies and Legal Battles:
- Naira Marley and Sam Larry: Videos surfaced of Mohbad allegedly being assaulted by Sam Larry and Naira Marley, his former record label boss. Both Marley and Larry, who were out of the country at the time, returned to Nigeria for questioning. They were later remanded in police custody due to evidence of cyberbullying and physical abuse.
- Paternity Dispute: Following Mohbad’s death, a legal battle ensued between his widow, Wunmi, and his father, Joseph Aloba, over the paternity of Mohbad’s child. The court intervened to resolve the dispute, which included issues with serving legal notices for a DNA test.
Autopsy Findings and Family Reaction:
- Inconclusive Results: In May 2024, pathologist Prof. Shokunle Shoyemi revealed that the autopsy could not determine the cause of death due to the advanced decomposition of Mohbad’s body. This finding left many questions unanswered.
- Family’s Response: Mohbad’s father expressed frustration and disappointment with the inconclusive results. He voiced concerns over potential attempts to cover up the true cause of his son’s death, maintaining hope for justice despite the setbacks.
Public Memorials:
- Tributes and Protests: In response to Mohbad’s death, a candlelight procession and tribute concert were organized on September 21, 2023, at Lekki Phase One and Muri Okunola Park. The event, attended by fans and celebrities including Falz and Davido, aimed to honor the late singer and demand justice.
In summary, the investigation into Mohbad’s death remains open, with ongoing legal and public efforts to uncover the truth behind his passing. The case continues to evoke strong emotions and calls for accountability among his supporters and the general public.