Kunle Adelabu
-As coroner summons Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy
Investigation into the death of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, continued on Friday, October 13, at the Magistrate court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, with the police disclosing that investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is still ongoing.
The Police Command, which was represented at the sitting by ASP Oderinde Ajibola Gafaar and ASP Mohammed Yusuf, from the Homicide Section, informed the coroner that an autopsy is yet to be completed to determine the actual cause of death of Mohbad.
ASP Yusuf, in his submission, narrated the events that led to the death of Mohbad, adding that Abdulazeez Fashola, a.k.a. Naira Marley, music promoter, Owodunni Eletu a.k.a. Sam Larry, and Owodunni Ibrahim a.k.a Primeboy, have been arrested and remanded to help them in their investigation.
He also stated that the nurse that administered injection on the late singer was also arrested.
The police also informed the coroner that Mohbad’s father was invited for questioning during which he alleged that Naira Marley and others harassed and assaulted his late son on several occasions, cases the police said that they have also investigated.
Meanwhile, Coroner Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, has summoned former boss of the late singer’s music label, Abdulazeez Fashola, music promoter, Owodunni Eletu, and Owodunni Ibrahim, over the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, to appear before the investigation panel on October 25, the next adjourned date.
The coroner instructed the officers present to ensure the presence of the suspects who were ordered to appear for the purpose of shedding light on their involvement on the tragic event.
Magistrate also informed that other parties, including the family of late Mohbad, will be invited to appear before it.
Speaking further on the corona inquest, she said that it is a fact-finding panel to unravel issues involved in the death of the music star.
Magistrate Shotobi also charged parties involved to assist the court in quick proceeding by avoiding any form of delay so that the late Aloba’s body can be finally laid to rest.
Mrs Funmi Falana, who has been confirmed for elevation as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), confirmed the coroner’s summon of the three suspects to journalists after the sitting.
“The witnesses were not around today, but hopefully by the next date of adjournment, they will be here. Today (Friday), we were able to narrow down some of the issues: the police told us what they have been able to get so far in their investigation and we were able to also put down some names as respondents who will receive summons before the end of next week”, she said.
“Hopefully, we will be able to bring those ones to come and give evidence and of course, the family members will be there by the next date or adjournment. That is what we were able to do today.
“You were there (referring to journalists), and that was what the coroner said. Summons will be issued to bring the suspects. They have been cited as respondents for now. We may have more respondents as the evidence begin to unfold”, she said.
Mr David Nowola, the lead counsel for the TNK Music Worldwide representing the entertainment community, said that the coroner has resolved at bringing witnesses to the court at the next adjournment date.
“The hearing today was successful, and we are progressing by the day. Today was for the presentation of the witnesses, however, we are underway to get the necessary witnesses before the tribunal, so that they can assist the tribunal in quick fact – finding responsibility that they have been saddled with”, he said.
“Today, we just got the run over accounts from the police side on what their investigation has been so far and revealed so far.
“As it stands, we are bringing more witnesses to the court, which is going to aid the quick fact – finding responsibility of the court. So, it’s work in progress”.
When asked further on how many witnesses are being expected, he said that the court can accommodate as many witnesses as possible.
“The sky is open for as more witnesses as we can accommodate. We are making moves for more witnesses and there are witnesses on record already, but we are still accommodating”, he said.
At the coroner’s sitting today, journalists were not only allowed into the court, but also participated in asking questions and making suggestions on the proceeding.
There was heavy security presence at the court due to the sitting.
