Mohbad: Coroner Orders Nurse’s Trial, Criticizes Police Inaction

The Coroner’s Court located in Ikorodu, Lagos, has put forth a recommendation for the criminal prosecution of Feyisayo Ogedengbe, an auxiliary nurse, linked to the passing of the singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad.

Initiated by the state government on September 29, 2023, the inquest aimed to clarify the details surrounding the singer’s death. In total, 19 witnesses provided their accounts during the proceedings.

On Friday, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi delivered her verdict, stating that the nurse exhibited gross negligence by giving the singer an injection without a doctor's authorization.

While the court dismissed the possibility of foul play or murder, it did conclude that the nurse's actions were both “unlawful and unprofessional.”

She remarked, “After reviewing all the evidence presented, I can determine the cause of death. Yet, the evidence suggests that death was sudden, occurring just minutes or hours after the injection was given by an unauthorized individual. There was no natural death that could clarify the situation. No evidence pointed to homicide or intentional harm—only medical evidence. The irregular burial, lacking proper investigation, medical certification, or a police report, is significant in this matter.”

“In line with section 29 of the Lagos State coroner laws, this court recommends that the Director of Public Prosecution begin legal actions against Felicia Ogedengbe for unlawful medical practice and severe negligence.”

The coroner also determined that Mohbad went through several distressing moments prior to his death, indicating a failure in support from his family, societal structures, and the music community.

The coroner expressed concern about serious deficiencies in health sector regulations, noting that these issues enable unqualified individuals to operate as healthcare providers without sufficient oversight or accountability.

Additionally, the coroner mandated an official inquiry into the Nigeria Police's lack of action regarding a petition filed by the late singer prior to his passing. The court urged relevant authorities to examine if this inaction constituted official negligence.

“Considering the overwhelming evidence of ongoing harassment, not just from the police and security forces, the Human Rights Commission must investigate all reported instances of intimidation or assault,” added the magistrate.

Regarding the burial conducted by Mohbad's father, Joseph Aloba, the magistrate recognized that cultural beliefs influenced his choice for a "hasty" and "undignified" burial.

However, she emphasized that he should have followed proper legal and medical protocols, such as obtaining a death certificate and conducting an autopsy after the unexpected death of the young artist.

“While the father's actions may have been driven by cultural values, they lacked procedural responsibility, especially in light of the circumstantial suspicions. The court found that Mr. Aloba’s actions obstructed forensic investigations, potentially delaying opportunities for further inquiry.”

The recent public claim and accusation made without reliable evidence has further damaged his credibility and intentions. "In situations where a young adult dies suddenly or under unusual circumstances, especially with no terminal illnesses present, a father truly seeking the truth should have prioritized an autopsy and the legal process prior to the burial," she remarked.

The coroner noted that Omowunmi, the deceased's partner, was fully aware of the medical crisis but did not make an effort to call emergency services or arrange for proper ambulance care when Mohbad began convulsing and vomiting. Instead, several family members were observed fanning him and trying to move him on their own.

Additionally, the coroner highlighted that critically, after Mohbad's passing, Omowunmi did not raise any objections about the events that led to his sudden health crisis. Even though she lived with him as his wife and was the mother of his child, her strong expressions of concern regarding harassment, abuse, and threats from the music industry only began after his burial and amid public outrage.

The coroner also questioned why she did not speak up when it was most vital, or why she did not push for a death certificate or an investigation before the burial took place.

"Regardless of whether she felt overwhelmed, distressed, or sidelined by the father, it was her duty as a wife and the last person with the deceased to object, speak out, or at least document any irregularities that occurred at the time of death and burial. Despite her emotional involvement, she has a level of moral and consequential accountability for the silence regarding the death and the swift burial. Given her role, a more vigorous and protective reaction was anticipated," the magistrate concluded.

Wahab Shittu, SAN, representing Mohbad's family, expressed approval of the recommendations. "This coroner has demonstrated that she possesses both intelligence and a sense of morality."

He further stated that the next step is to urge the authorities to implement the recommendations and ensure the police thoroughly investigate the petition submitted by the late singer and the events leading to his demise.

Similarly, Kabir Akingbolu, counsel for Mohbad's wife, asserted that it was not her client's responsibility to prevent the father from proceeding with the burial.

Reportedly, the 26-year-old passed away on September 12, 2023, after receiving an injury to the back of his right arm. He was treated and received an injection from a nurse at his Lekki home and died soon after developing sudden convulsions. He was buried the next day.

In response to significant public outcry, the body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy mandated by the Lagos State Government.

The autopsy's findings, released on April 29, 2024, revealed that the cause of death could not be determined as the internal organs had already deteriorated to a level of moderate to severe decomposition.