Mohbad’s Family Rejects Official Autopsy Report – Calls for Independent Examination
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 press conference in Lagos on Monday, June 17, the family’s legal counsel, Wahab Shittu, expressed concerns about the discrepancies in the autopsy report presented to the Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu.
The report, conducted by Professor Sunday Soyemi, a Forensic Scientist and Pathologist from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), had inconsistencies with findings from the Nigerian Police and state medical experts.
The family believes these issues cast doubt on the report’s authenticity and insist that an independent toxicology test is necessary to provide a clearer understanding of Mohbad’s death.
They also highlighted the government’s and police’s silence regarding media reports that a U.S. laboratory denied conducting an autopsy on Mohbad, questioning the integrity of the investigation.
In a statement, the family expressed their dissatisfaction: “This outcome is entirely unacceptable to us and raises serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation.
The Aloba family and the whole world demand to know where the toxicology test was carried out, as this has impugned the integrity.”
The legal team questioned the use of the National Medical Services Laboratories‘ letterhead and address from Pennsylvania, USA, on the toxicology report, especially since the laboratory claimed not to have conducted the test.
The team noted discrepancies in the laboratory’s further response, attributing the test to another associated lab, raising concerns about professional integrity and potential conflicts of interest.
The Aloba family, seeking truth and justice, had hoped the U.S.-conducted toxicology test would clarify the circumstances of Mohbad’s tragic passing.
However, the test’s inconclusive results have only deepened their doubts and frustrations.
In response, the family demands:
1. **Independent Re-Examination**: A call for an independent re-examination of the toxicology samples by a reputable, internationally recognized forensic laboratory, conducted with utmost transparency.
2. **Comprehensive Review of Procedures**: A thorough review of the procedures and protocols followed during the initial toxicology testing, including the chain of custody and sample handling.
3. **Collaboration with International Experts**: Involvement of independent international forensic experts to oversee and validate the re-examination process, restoring confidence in the findings.
4. **Full Disclosure**: Complete transparency of all findings and reports related to the toxicology tests to understand the cause of death and dispel any doubts.
The family urged the relevant authorities to expedite the re-examination process to provide definitive answers without delay, criticizing the Nigerian Police for their handling of the case and calling on Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene personally.
The Aloba family remains determined in their pursuit of truth and justice for Mohbad. They emphasize that the current inconclusive results prolong their agony and uncertainty, which is both unfair and unjust.
They have appealed to the presiding magistrate of the Coroner’s Inquest to ensure an independent toxicology report is submitted before the final report is given to the authorities.
The family has also applied to the Coroner’s Court for approval to conduct an independent autopsy and toxicology test, urging expedited hearings on the matter to ensure justice is served.
Mohbad, aged 27, died on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances. His body was exhumed on September 21 for an autopsy.
On May 16, Professor Osiyemi of LASUTH informed the Coroner’s Inquest that the autopsy was inconclusive due to factors like body decomposition and potential reactions to medications Mohbad received before his death.
Mohbad’s Family Rejects Official Autopsy Report – Calls for Independent Examination
