In a significant development regarding the untimely passing of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, famously known as Mohbad, Dr. Richard Somiari, the Director of the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, revealed on Wednesday that the results of the autopsy conducted on the deceased would likely be available within the next three to four weeks.
This announcement came during Somiari’s testimony at a coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
The witness’s testimony was a focal point of the proceedings as he faced cross-examination by the defense counsel.
The coroner’s inquest, initiated following Mohbad’s demise on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, has been ongoing since October 13, 2023, at the Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court.
Dr. Somiari assured Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, overseeing the inquest, that the forensic team was diligently pursuing multiple avenues to ascertain the cause of Mohbad’s death, including investigating the possibility of poison.
“We expected to get the first set of autopsy results in three to four weeks and re-confirm to authenticate the cause of death,” he stated, underscoring the thoroughness of their investigation.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the forensic process, Somiari reassured the public of stringent security measures in place to safeguard the samples and results.
“We have a place where items are stored for safety and security of results. There is a procedure for monitoring samples moved abroad,” he affirmed, addressing concerns about the reliability and confidentiality of the autopsy findings.
In addition to Somiari’s testimony, Mr. Sadiq Ayobami, also known as Spendy, provided crucial insights into the events preceding Mohbad’s passing.
Ayobami recounted his last interaction with the deceased, revealing that they had attended a concert together in Ikorodu before parting ways.
His testimony added depth to the investigation, shedding light on Mohbad’s activities in the hours leading up to his death.
However, amidst the legal proceedings, Mrs. Abiodun Kolawole, representing the African Women Lawyers Association, urged Mohbad’s parents to pursue matters concerning the paternity of the singer’s child through proper legal channels rather than resorting to social media platforms.
Her intervention highlighted the broader implications of the case beyond the scope of the coroner’s inquest.
As the inquest adjourned until April 15, Magistrate T. A. Shotobi emphasized the necessity for all involved parties to be present on the designated date, underscoring the significance of transparent and thorough proceedings in seeking justice for Mohbad and his loved ones.
The adjournment signaled a continuation of the quest for truth and closure surrounding the tragic loss of the talented musician.
