A Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, has authorized the use of substituted service to reach key witnesses in the ongoing investigation into the death of Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. The court granted the request following challenges in serving witness summons directly to those believed to have crucial information regarding the circumstances of Mohbad’s death.
Among those to be served through this method are well-known Nigerian musician Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, and Lagos socialite Samson Eletu, popularly known as Sam Larry. Also included are Mohbad’s sister-in-law, Karimot Ogunbayo, his lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade, a nurse who reportedly treated him before his death, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and a driver, Fidelis Esanbor.
The court’s ruling came after an application by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, and his legal team, which sought permission to issue witness summons via a reputable national newspaper and social media platforms. This decision was made during a court sitting on August 16, 2024, presided over by Magistrate T. A. Sotobi.
The Aloba family’s legal team, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Wahab Shittu, stressed the importance of the witnesses appearing in court to shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death on September 12, 2023. The court agreed to the request, with Magistrate Sotobi stating that substituted service was necessary to ensure the prompt appearance of the witnesses.
Efforts to serve the summons directly had been unsuccessful, leading to the decision to use national media outlets as an alternative. The court also approved the recall of Mohbad’s wife, Wunmi, and the investigating officer, ASP Muhammad Yusuf, after new issues surfaced that required further clarification.
The coroner’s court adjourned the matter to ensure the compliance of the orders and the attendance of the summoned witnesses. Mohbad, aged 27 at the time of his death, was a former signee of Marlian Music, owned by Naira Marley. His passing has generated significant controversy, leading to investigations and arrests, including those of Naira Marley and Sam Larry.
