Dr. Richard Somiari, Director of Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, testified on Wednesday during a coroner’s inquest into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, famously known as Mohbad, stating that the autopsy results would be available within the next three to four weeks.
The inquest, convened following Mohbad’s demise on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, commenced on October 13, 2023, at the Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court amidst controversies surrounding his passing.
During cross-examination by the defense counsel, Somiari emphasized the meticulousness of the forensic investigation, highlighting the search for multiple possibilities, including the potential involvement of poison, given the absence of a specified cause of death.
“We expected to get the first set of autopsy results in three to four weeks and re-confirm to authenticate the cause of the death,” Somiari stated, underscoring the commitment to ensuring accuracy in determining the cause of Mohbad’s demise.
Moreover, Somiari reassured the public of the stringent security measures in place for the handling and monitoring of samples for the autopsy, emphasizing the adherence to strict protocols for the safekeeping and transportation of forensic evidence.
In a separate testimony, Mr. Sadiq Ayobami, known as Spendy, disclosed that he had seen Mohbad a day before his demise, recounting their attendance at a concert in Ikorodu before returning to Spendy’s residence. He noted his departure before the singer’s passing.
Furthermore, Mrs. Abiodun Kolawole, representing the African Women Lawyers Association, urged the deceased singer’s parents to pursue legal avenues regarding the paternity of Mohbad’s child instead of resorting to social media for grievances.
Magistrate T. A. Shotobi, presiding over the inquest, adjourned the case until April 15, directing all involved parties to be present on the specified date for further proceedings.