The family of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has rejected the autopsy results conducted by the Lagos state government and is demanding an independent toxicology test to determine the true cause of his death.
During a conference in Lagos on Monday, June 17, the family’s legal counsel, Wahab Shittu, highlighted discrepancies in the autopsy report presented by Prof. Sunday Soyemi, a Forensic Scientist and Pathologist from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), to the Coroner court in Ikorodu. These discrepancies, discovered by the Nigerian Police and state medical experts, have cast doubt on the authenticity of the findings.
The family believes an independent toxicology test will provide a clearer understanding of Mohbad’s cause of death. They also expressed concern over the government’s and police’s silence regarding media reports that the United States laboratory denied conducting an autopsy on Mohbad, questioning the integrity of the investigation. The family has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene.
‘’This outcome is entirely unacceptable to us and the Aloba Family and raises serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation by the police and the medical team into the untimely death of their beloved son, brother, and friend. The Aloba family and, indeed, the whole world demand to know where the toxicology test was carried out as this has impugned the integrity.
The legal team is perplexed by the appearance of the National Medical Services Laboratories (NMS) letterhead and address from Pennsylvania, USA, on the toxicology test report if the test was not actually conducted there.
Further complicating matters, the NMS laboratories attributed the test to another sister laboratory, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and professional integrity. The public deserves to know the relationship between the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Laboratory, NMS in the USA, and ITSI Biosciences, which allegedly completed the toxicology test on behalf of the Lagos State government.
The Aloba family, seeking truth and justice, had hoped the toxicology test, reportedly conducted in the United States, would clarify the circumstances of Mohbad’s tragic death. However, the ‘inconclusive’ test results fail to provide the needed clarity and undermine public and familial confidence in the investigative process.
In response to these developments, the Aloba family rejects the ‘inconclusive’ toxicology test results and makes the following demands and positions:
- Independent Re-Examination: We call for an independent re-examination of the toxicology samples by a reputable and internationally recognized forensic laboratory. This re-examination should be conducted transparently and adhere to the highest standards of forensic science.
- Comprehensive Review of Procedures: A thorough review of the procedures and protocols followed during the initial toxicology testing is essential. This review should include an assessment of the chain of custody, handling, and analysis of the samples to ensure no procedural lapses or contamination occurred.
- Collaboration with International Experts: We urge the involvement of independent international forensic experts to oversee and validate the re-examination process. Their participation will help restore confidence in the findings and ensure all possible avenues are explored.
- Full Disclosure of Findings: The Aloba family demands full disclosure of all findings and reports related to the toxicology tests. Transparency is crucial to understanding the cause of death and dispelling any doubts or suspicions.
Time is of the essence. We call upon the relevant authorities to expedite the re-examination process and provide the family with definitive answers without undue delay.
The Nigeria Police have not done enough in this case. The investigation thus far lacks the thoroughness and professionalism expected in a murder case of this nature. We call on the Inspector General of Police to personally intervene and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Aloba family remains steadfast in their pursuit of truth and justice for Ilerioluwa. They deserve clear, definitive answers regarding the cause of his death, and it is the responsibility of the investigative bodies to provide them with such clarity. The current ‘inconclusive’ results only prolong their agony and uncertainty, which is both unfair and unjust.
‘Considering the Coroner Inquest, we appeal to the presiding Magistrate at to ensure that an independent toxicology report is submitted to the Coroner’s Court before submitting the final report to the authorities. Presently, we have an application before the Coroner Court seeking approval to conduct an independent autopsy and toxicology test.
“We call on the presiding magistrate in the matter to expedite a hearing on the independent autopsy and toxicology application. That is the only way justice can be served in this case”. the family said
