In a growing movement for transparency and justice, Nollywood actor and human rights advocate Yomi Fabiyi has announced a peaceful protest scheduled for September 30, 2024, at the Lagos State House of Assembly. The demonstration aims to seek justice for the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, who tragically passed away on September 12, 2023, at the young age of 27.
Fabiyi shared the details of the protest via his Instagram account, emphasizing the need for the Lagos State government to establish a committee dedicated to investigating the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s untimely death. The singer’s passing has been shrouded in controversy, prompting widespread discussions on social media and drawing attention to the potential foul play involved.
In his message, Fabiyi expressed his frustration regarding the alleged efforts to cover up the truth behind Mohbad’s death. He stated, “Those behind this heinous crime, those who cut Mohbad’s life short, are spending millions to see that they cover up the case, create distractions, and bury the many blatant evidence.” He highlighted the importance of retrieving CCTV footage from the vicinity of Mohbad’s residence, indicating that it could hold critical information relevant to the investigation.
Furthermore, Fabiyi criticized the police for their perceived inaction, describing their refusal to access the footage as “very frustrating.” He urged citizens to advocate for their rights and called upon the true representatives of Lagos State to take action and establish a committee to uncover the truth. He encouraged the public to join the protest, reminding them to remain orderly and respectful during the demonstration.
Mohbad’s death sparked significant controversy, particularly given his previous affiliation with Marlian Music, a record label owned by Naira Marley, from which he parted ways in February 2022. Following Mohbad’s death, the Lagos State Police Command initiated a special investigation team to probe the circumstances surrounding his passing. This investigation led to the arrests of several individuals, including Naira Marley and Lagos socialite Balogun Eletu, popularly known as Sam Larry.
Amidst the ongoing investigation, Mohbad’s body was exhumed on September 25, 2023, for an autopsy aimed at determining the cause of his death. However, a pathologist later testified before the Coroner’s Court that the autopsy could not conclusively identify the cause due to the body’s decomposition.
In a further complication, a US-based forensic laboratory, NMS Labs, denied having conducted a toxicology test on Mohbad’s remains, contradicting claims made by the Lagos State Government. According to Esther Dede, a Client Services Associate at NMS Labs, the laboratory did not possess a case for Mohbad. This revelation raised questions about the integrity of the investigation and the handling of evidence.
Despite these challenges, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, clarified that NMS Labs had indeed tested postmortem samples related to Mohbad’s case, confirming receipt of samples from another lab, ITSI Biosciences. This ongoing back-and-forth highlights the complexities and potential miscommunications surrounding the investigation.
As the protest date approaches, it is clear that the demand for justice in Mohbad’s case resonates deeply within the community. His untimely death has not only left a mark on the music industry but has also ignited a broader conversation about accountability and the need for transparency in investigations involving public figures.
The upcoming demonstration reflects a collective yearning for answers and justice, as fans and advocates come together to honor Mohbad’s memory and seek the truth surrounding his tragic demise. The outcome of this protest and the subsequent actions taken by the government may play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around Mohbad’s legacy and the quest for justice.
