The Coroner’s Court sitting in Ikorodu, Lagos, has officially recommended the criminal prosecution of auxiliary nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe over her involvement in the unexpected and heartbreaking death of renowned Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad.
Delivering the comprehensive ruling on Friday, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi described the nurse’s actions as “grossly negligent,” pointing out that she administered an injection without any valid doctor’s prescription, which tragically led to the singer’s sudden collapse and death. The court clarified that while there was no evidence supporting homicide or deliberate foul play, the act was considered “unlawful, unethical, and professionally negligent.”
This landmark ruling followed a thorough months-long inquest initiated by the Lagos State Government on September 29, 2023. The inquest came after an overwhelming public outcry and intense demands for justice from fans and the general public. During the proceedings, a total of nineteen witnesses testified, shedding light on Mohbad’s final days and the events leading to his death.
Nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe
According to Magistrate Shotobi, evidence presented in court revealed that Mohbad died within hours of receiving the controversial injection at his Lekki home. The coroner emphasized that the cause of death was not natural but rather resulted from a clearly unauthorized and careless medical procedure carried out by an unqualified practitioner.
“In line with Section 29 of the Coroner Laws of Lagos State, this court hereby recommends that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution initiate immediate criminal proceedings against Felicia Ogedengbe for her unlawful medical activities and gross professional negligence,” Magistrate Shotobi declared.
Baba Mohbad
In addition to indicting the nurse, the court also highlighted significant lapses on the part of Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba. The magistrate condemned his decision to conduct a “hurried and undignified” burial for his son without securing a valid death certificate, medical report, or proper clearance from law enforcement agencies.
“While cultural and traditional beliefs may have played a part in the father’s actions, his decisions unfortunately obstructed critical forensic investigations and contributed to delays in achieving justice,” the magistrate stated. Furthermore, the court criticized Mr. Aloba’s numerous public statements, describing them as unsubstantiated and damaging to his own credibility.
Negligence on Wunmi’s part
Omowunmi, Mohbad’s partner and the mother of his child, was also faulted for failing to take decisive action at crucial moments. The court noted that although she lived with Mohbad and was with him during his last moments, she did not insist on proper emergency intervention or demand thorough accountability after his passing and during the rushed burial process.
The magistrate acknowledged that Omowunmi might have been emotionally overwhelmed by grief. However, the court stressed that as someone closest to the deceased, she had a responsibility to act protectively and proactively. It was observed that her assertive stance only became evident after public pressure intensified.
Police’s inaction after Mohbad’s petition against Sam Larry
Another critical aspect highlighted by the coroner was the failure of the Nigeria Police Force to take prompt action on a petition Mohbad submitted before his death, in which he alleged threats and harassment by certain individuals. The magistrate ordered a formal inquiry into the inaction of the police, stressing that this negligence might amount to official misconduct and dereliction of duty.
The court further directed the National Human Rights Commission to investigate reports of intimidation and harassment allegedly perpetrated by certain music industry figures and security personnel against Mohbad, which may have exacerbated his psychological distress.
Bullying Allegations: Sam Larry, Naira Marley
While the coroner’s report did not establish a direct connection between the actions of show promoter Sam Larry and music executive Naira Marley with Mohbad’s death, it did confirm that the late artist endured significant mental and emotional trauma due to repeated bullying, threats, and harassment from these individuals and their associates. Nevertheless, the court found no conclusive evidence linking their behavior directly to his fatal collapse.
Conclusion
In its concluding remarks, the court issued a powerful indictment of everyone who surrounded Mohbad in his final days, stating that he was systematically failed by those closest to him — including his family, friends, associates, law enforcement, and the music industry at large. This collective failure, according to the magistrate, created an unsafe and deeply distressing environment for the singer during his last moments.
Mohbad tragically died on September 12, 2023, following a reported injury and subsequent treatment at home. He was hurriedly buried the following day. In response to widespread demands for accountability, his body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy examination. However, the first autopsy yielded inconclusive results due to advanced decomposition of his internal organs, prompting a second detailed forensic investigation.
Reacting to the coroner’s final verdict, senior lawyer Wahab Shittu, SAN, who represented Mohbad’s family, expressed strong approval, describing the magistrate as fair, balanced, and deeply conscientious. “This is one coroner who truly demonstrated intellectual depth and moral integrity,” Shittu said in an emotional statement.
Meanwhile, Kabir Akingbolu, counsel to Mohbad’s partner Omowunmi, also commended the recommendations but clarified that Omowunmi’s limited capacity to intervene during the burial should not be seen as negligence, emphasizing that the situation was entirely beyond her control at that time.
With these comprehensive findings now made public, there is mounting pressure on the relevant authorities to swiftly implement the coroner’s recommendations, bring those responsible to justice, and ensure that Mohbad’s tragic story serves as a catalyst for systemic reforms and greater accountability within the Nigerian healthcare and entertainment sectors.