Mohbad inquest: Coroner to announce final decision date as second autopsy concludes

The Coroner in the Mohbad inquest will announce the date for the final decision after hearing from the final witness, a forensic pathologist who found no evidence of hard drug use but noted the administration of regulated medications

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]agistrate Adedayo Shotobi, the Coroner presiding over the inquest into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, has stated that the date for the final verdict will be communicated to all involved parties.

Also read: Naira Marley urges investigation into Mohbad’s wife, associates

This announcement followed the testimony of the final witness, forensic pathologist Dr. Uwom Eze, who presented his findings from the second autopsy and medical review conducted on Friday.

During cross-examination by Abiodun Kolawole, counsel for the African Women Lawyers Association, an interested party in the inquest, Dr. Eze testified that medical examinations revealed no indication of hard drug use or drug abuse by the deceased, contrary to some allegations.

Dr. Eze further stated that his examination showed Mohbad was administered “regulated” doses of antihistamine, an allergy medication, and analgesics, or painkillers, suggesting he was experiencing pain prior to his death.

However, Dr. Eze noted his inability to determine the specifics of an injection administered to Mohbad due to a lack of available information.

Addressing the injury on Mohbad’s right arm, Dr. Eze clarified that it was superficial and would not have caused death, stating, “Even a newborn baby won’t die from that injury.

Considering all the postmortem findings, including ancillary tests and available information, a major disruption of vital organ systems of the body with resultant fatality due to a severe and rapid hypersensitivity reaction to a substance administered by parenteral route is plausible.” – Dr. Uwom Eze, Forensic Pathologist

At the time I conducted the autopsy, it wasn’t even there, maybe because of the post-mortem changes on the body. I couldn’t tell how the injection was given, because I had already lost (his) fluids.”

Referencing his findings from the second autopsy, Dr. Eze suggested a “severe and rapid hypersensitivity reaction to a substance administered by parenteral route is plausible” as a cause of death, considering all postmortem findings, ancillary tests, and available information.

This aligns with his earlier testimony where he noted the advanced decomposition of the body hindered a definitive cause of death determination but wouldn’t rule out a severe reaction.

Dr. Eze, during questioning by Mohbad’s family counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), also described the handling of the musician by the supposed nurse as appearing to be a “medical misadventure.”

The 26-year-old Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, shortly after receiving an injection from a nurse at his Lekki home following an injury.

His initial autopsy, conducted after his exhumation on September 21, 2023, was inconclusive due to significant decomposition.

Also read: Mohbad’s brother, Adura Aloba, arrested after court sitting in Lagos

The Coroner ordered the second autopsy in June 2024 following a request from the deceased’s family for an independent review.

Quadri Olaitan