The Lagos State government is set to commence trial into the death of the superstar rapper and songwriter, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as MohBad, one year after.
The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro disclosed this on Monday, at a press briefing ahead of the upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting and commemoration of his first year in office, held at the ministry’s conference room, Alausa, Ikeja.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Pedro said: “On Mohbad’s case, I agree there has been a delay and the delay is borne out of time taken for investigation.
“Forensic analysis, toxicology, all this are part of the investigation. And I think what we should learn is that as far as criminal offences are concerned, there is no status of limitation.
“So, it is better to have a complete full-proof investigation that can lead, at least, to a conviction of a case that is presented before a court, than to hush-hush and rush to court.
“It is the same people, complaining about the delay that will be the same people to say the man was brought to court after one week, was discharged, and acquitted just because the investigation had not been concluded.
“If the investigation has not been concluded, it is better for us to be patient.
“But, I can tell you, the toxicology report from the United States has been received for long now. And is with the coroner. We also have a copy.
“But I understand that the family members of Mohbad have also requested the coroner to hold on, that they also wanted to conduct their independent forensic analysis.
“However, this should not stop us now that the report is out. I am very sure if the legal advice was not out last week, it should be out this week. And those to be prosecuted will be prosecuted based on available evidence.
“That’s the position about MohBad’s case, it’s not a deliberate delay.
“Had the Lagos Forensic Laboratory on the Island not been destroyed during the EndSARS protest, the case would have ended by now.
“We would not have had cause to send the report outside the country for analysis because we had the facility here then.
“It is not cheap to do such analysis. In the United States, it runs into thousands of dollars to get it done.
“As for Mohbad’s case, as far as we are concerned, justice would be done”.
Mohbad’s death on 12 September 2023, initially reported as natural causes, has been marred by skepticism and a public clamour for a deeper investigation.
Despite an official autopsy intended to shed light on the circumstances of his demise, the report has sparked further debate, casting long shadows over his family, friends, associates, and the broader Nigerian music community.
The official autopsy, which was meant to serve as a definitive account, instead became a centerpiece of controversy. Critics argued that its findings did not align with the symptoms and conditions leading up to Mohbad’s death.
Accusations of mishandling and a lack of transparency have been levied against the authorities, prompting the Lagos State government to initiate a coroner’s inquest, which eventually ordered a second autopsy.
The move reflected the widespread mistrust in the integrity of the initial investigation.
In the aftermath of Mohbad’s death, his family and close associates have been embroiled in a bitter dispute over accountability.
The search for answers has seen fingers pointed in multiple directions: from alleged negligence by medical professionals to possible foul play within Mohbad’s inner circle.
This blame game has compounded the family’s suffering and further complicated the process of coming to terms with their loss.
On the forthcoming strategic meeting, Pedro said: “The meeting is scheduled for 23 and 24 October 2024, at Isaac John Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
Key stakeholders from the Nigerian Police, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Correctional Service, and other agencies will be present to discuss ongoing challenges in law enforcement and prosecution.
“This meeting, themed “Enhancing Collaboration for Effective Justice Delivery,” aims to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and improve the enforcement of laws throughout Lagos State.
“This gathering is a direct response to the insights gained from the Lagos Justice Summit held in May this year, where key stakeholders identified the need for enhanced cooperation and coordination within the justice system.
“One of the summit’s primary recommendations was to convene this strategic meeting to elevate the standards of justice and ensure that justice is not merely an ideal but a tangible reality for all residents of Lagos State.
“The meeting will provide a critical platform for engaging with various stakeholders towards harmonizing MDA operations to improve service delivery and reduce government liability exposure in land administration, physical planning and environmental management”.
