The Lagos State Coroner’s Inquest into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has concluded that the 26-year-old’s death was likely caused by medical negligence. The court’s findings have sparked widespread discussion and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s untimely demise.
According to the court’s findings sitting in Ikorodu, auxiliary nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who administered an injection to Mohbad without a doctor’s prescription, was deemed to have acted with gross medical negligence. The court described Ogedengbe’s actions as “unlawful and professionally reckless,” and recommended that she face prosecution for her role in Mohbad’s death.
Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, was also criticized for hastily burying his son without proper documentation, including a death certificate or autopsy. The court felt that this hasty burial obstructed investigations and potentially postponed any opportunity for forensic investigation, which could have shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
Additionally, Mohbad’s partner, Omowunmi (Wunmi), was faulted for not insisting on proper medical treatment or documenting events leading to Mohbad’s burial. While the court acknowledged that Wunmi was likely in a state of emotional distress following Mohbad’s passing, it still held her morally responsible for not challenging the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s sudden illness and death.
The court also ordered a formal investigation into the Nigeria Police Force’s inaction regarding a petition filed by Mohbad before his death, alleging threats to his life. This aspect of the court’s findings has raised questions about the police’s response to Mohbad’s pleas for help and whether more could have been done to prevent his death.
Furthermore, the coroner recommended tighter regulations on intravenous drug administration to prevent unlicensed individuals from administering injections. This recommendation aims to prevent similar incidents of medical negligence in the future.
Finally, the court advised that Mohbad’s body should be reburied in accordance with the law, given the circumstances surrounding his burial. This recommendation is seen as a way to bring some closure to the case and ensure that Mohbad’s family can find some peace.
The findings of the Lagos State Coroner’s Inquest have sparked a renewed call for greater accountability in the medical profession and for more stringent regulations to prevent similar incidents of negligence. As the investigation into Mohbad’s death continues, many are left wondering what more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.
