Mohbad death investigation faces renewed scrutiny as civic group demands transparency and independent forensic review

A civic organisation, Lagosians for Truth and Justice, has renewed calls for transparency, accountability and an independent forensic review into the death of late Nigerian singer Mohbad.

Also read: Court grants NGO leave to reopen Mohbad death probe

The group made the demand in a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, and copied to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

Signed by the group’s spokesperson, Rotimi DaSilva, the petition expressed concern over what it described as unresolved contradictions and growing public distrust surrounding the circumstances of the singer’s death.

Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, died in September 2023, sparking widespread reactions across Nigeria and internationally, with many demanding justice and a transparent investigation.

According to the group, nearly three years after the incident, the public still lacks clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.

The organisation stated that the Mohbad death investigation had evolved beyond entertainment discussions and had become a major test of public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

“We write once again regarding the deeply troubling and unresolved circumstances surrounding the death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, whose passing continues to generate national concern, public distrust, and growing frustration among millions of Nigerians at home and abroad,” the petition stated.

“Nearly three years after his death, Nigerians are still confronted not with certainty, but with contradictions; not with clarity, but with confusion; not with confidence in the investigative process, but with increasing suspicion, institutional silence, and prolonged delay.”

The group said concerns earlier raised in a public letter published in a national newspaper on December 12, 2025, remained unresolved despite mounting public attention.

It cited disputed forensic narratives, unresolved toxicology issues, contradictory public statements and inconsistencies in witness testimonies as factors fuelling suspicion among Nigerians.

The organisation further argued that public confidence in law enforcement institutions cannot survive where transparency is absent.

As part of its demands, the group called for a completely independent forensic review involving credible experts whose conclusions would withstand both local and international scrutiny.

It also requested an independently supervised DNA process to address the prolonged controversy surrounding paternity issues linked to the late singer.

The petition additionally demanded full disclosure of investigative procedures, including toxicology processes, chain of custody of evidence, laboratories involved in testing, timelines for submissions and witness statements obtained during the probe.

“Justice cannot flourish in secrecy,” the petition added.

The group also urged investigators to re-evaluate key witnesses and persons connected to Mohbad’s final hours while ensuring that the investigation remains free from political or institutional interference.

According to the organisation, the prolonged absence of a clear and trusted conclusion continues to weaken confidence in national institutions and fuel public speculation.

“The death of Mohbad exposed more than one tragedy. It exposed the vulnerability of young Nigerians within exploitative systems, the weakness of institutional communication, the fragility of public trust, and the consequences of investigative opacity,” the statement said.

“We therefore urge the Lagos State Police Command and the office of the Inspector General of Police to recognise the gravity of this moment.”

The group maintained that a transparent conclusion to the Mohbad death investigation would not only serve justice for the late singer but also help rebuild trust in Nigerian institutions.

Also read: Mohbad’s father kicks against court-ordered secret DNA test

Efforts to obtain a response from the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages sent to her were not answered as of the time of filing the report.