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One year ago today, on September 12, 2023, the music world was shaken by the tragic passing of street pop sensation Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, at just 27 years old. His sudden death stunned fans and Nigerians nationwide, plunging the country into collective mourning.
Since the tragic loss of our shining star last year, much has unfolded, yet the mystery surrounding Mohbad’s death remains steeped in conspiracies, controversies, and countless unanswered questions.
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What happened to Mohbad?
In 2023, police reports revealed that the singer had been administered injections by an unlicensed nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe. These injections included tetanus toxoid, paracetamol, and an antibiotic called Cetrazone, which triggered an immediate adverse reaction. Mohbad reportedly experienced vomiting, goosebumps, and convulsions before passing away.
He was rushed to Perez Medcare Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The hospital issued a statement clarifying that he did not pass away on their premises and that all efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
The Hasty Burial
Mohbad was laid to rest just a day after his passing in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, a decision that left his fans and many Nigerians puzzled, especially since the singer did not practice Islam, which traditionally calls for swift burials.
His father, Joseph Aloba, addressed the confusion, explaining that Mohbad was buried quickly because of his young age. He also shared that the burial took place on the only piece of land he knew his son owned.
Calls for Investigation and Autopsy
Following Mohbad’s sudden death, a wave of public outcry arose as Nigerians demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding it. Many pointed out that the singer had performed at a concert just two days before his passing and appeared to be in good health, sparking widespread curiosity and the haunting question: “What happened to Mohbad?“
A social media campaign quickly gained traction, urging for an autopsy to be carried out to uncover the true cause of his death. Petitions were submitted to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
In response, the Nigeria Police Force launched a formal investigation into the case, exhuming Mohbad’s body from his grave in Ikorodu to conduct a thorough autopsy.
Marlian Records, Naira Marley, and Sam Larry
Between 2020 and 2022, Mohbad was signed to Naira Marley‘s record label, where he released several of his biggest hits. However, before his death, he found himself in a legal battle with the label, seeking to recover unpaid royalties.
After his passing, disturbing videos surfaced online, showing instances where Mohbad was assaulted and harassed by music promoter Sam Larry and members of the record label.
In the video, Mohbad and another singer Omoniyi Temidayo popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, were on set for a music video when Sam Larry stormed the scene with some boys targeting Mohbad who scampered away in fear. Zlatan, however, tried to save the situation as he stood up to Larry and his allies to forestall any attack or bullying on Mohbad.
The most shocking video was one recorded by Mohbad himself, in which he tearfully stated that if anything were to happen to him, Naira Marley should be held accountable.
These videos, which reemerged on social media after his death, infuriated Nigerians, who called for the immediate arrest of Naira Marley and Sam Larry. However, both men were out of the country at the time and maintained their innocence, stating that they were not in Nigeria when the singer died. Upon invitation by the police, both suspects returned to Nigeria to assist with the ongoing investigations.
A Befitting Send-Off
Fans were deeply unsatisfied with Mohbad’s hasty burial in Ikorodu, feeling it did not honor the beloved singer. To give him a proper farewell, his management organized a candlelight procession and tribute concert.
The procession took place on September 21, beginning at the Lekki Phase One gate and concluding at Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, where the tribute concert was held. Hundreds of fans showed up to pay their respects, joined by celebrities like Falz and Davido.
The Investigations
In the wake of Mohbad’s death, the police questioned 26 individuals, including his family members. Feyisayo Ogendengbe, the nurse who administered the injections to the singer at his home, has been named the prime suspect but has yet to be formally charged.
Two of Mohbad’s close friends, Ayobami Sadiq (aka Spending), who invited Ogendengbe to treat him, and another friend, Primeboy, who had a physical altercation with the singer a day before his death, were also named as suspects. Due to allegations of cyberbullying, physical abuse, threats to life, and assault, Naira Marley and Sam Larry were also identified as suspects and were placed in police custody for 21 days.
Paternity Test Battles
Following Mohbad’s death, a dispute arose over a paternity test for his son, Liam. His father, Joseph Aloba, insisted that a DNA test be conducted to confirm Mohbad’s paternity. After failed attempts to serve the singer’s widow, Wunmi, with a court order for the test, the matter escalated, and the court intervened.
Wunmi, in a viral video, expressed her willingness to undergo the DNA test, but delays continued due to difficulties in officially notifying her of the court’s motion.
Cause of Death?
In May 2024, Professor Shokunle Shoyemi, a pathologist, revealed that the exact cause of Mohbad’s death could not be determined due to the advanced decomposition of his body by the time the autopsy was performed. Despite thorough efforts, the state of the remains made it impossible to draw a conclusive result.
Mohbad’s Family’s Reaction
The inconclusive findings from the coroner’s inquest left Mohbad’s family and fans heartbroken and outraged. His father expressed deep disappointment, suggesting that the investigation might be part of a cover-up.
He voiced his frustrations, stating:
“I was brought to tears when I learnt of the denial. I never expected such a fabrication. It now appears that the claim of it being taken to the US was concocted from the beginning, indicating an attempt to conceal the truth...” “Hearing the news made me more sorrowful about the death of my son. I don’t believe the state government could deceive everyone, saying they went to conduct the test and they did not. I felt so pained. It also assures me that we will get justice in the end,“
