Mohbad’s Father Demands Prosecution of Late Singer’s Widow and Nurse Following Coroner’s Inquest
In a significant development in the ongoing quest for justice surrounding the untimely death of Nigerian music star Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, his father, Joseph Aloba, has formally petitioned the Lagos State Government. He is demanding the immediate criminal prosecution of his son’s widow, Omowunmi Aloba, and the auxiliary nurse whose actions were deemed central to the tragedy.
Joseph Aloba, father of the late singer Mohbad, is seeking legal action against those indicted in his son’s death.
A Father’s Quest for Accountability
The demand was formally lodged in a petition addressed to the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN. The document, signed by Aloba’s lead counsel, the renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria Wahab Shittu, represents a pivotal moment in a case that has captivated the nation and sparked widespread outrage.
At the heart of the petition is a call for the prosecution of Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who administered a fatal injection to the 27-year-old singer shortly before his death in September 2023. The legal action, however, casts a wider net, urging that all individuals present in Mohbad’s apartment at the time of the incident—particularly those who either invited the nurse or failed to secure prompt, professional medical assistance for the ailing artist—be held accountable under the law.
The Coroner’s Damning Verdict
This legal maneuver follows the conclusive findings of the Coroner’s Inquest, delivered in July 2025 by Magistrate Taofikat Shotobi. The inquest, a meticulous judicial process aimed at determining the cause of death, yielded a verdict that was as clear as it was damning.
Magistrate Shotobi unequivocally found the actions of Nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe to be both “unlawful and professionally negligent.” The cornerstone of this conclusion was the administration of an injection without a doctor’s prescription, a reckless act that violated fundamental medical protocols. But the scrutiny did not end there.
The coroner also directed criticism at Mohbad’s wife, Omowunmi Aloba, for her role in the events leading to the tragedy. The verdict explicitly faulted her decision to opt for home treatment for her husband instead of rushing him to a properly equipped medical facility—a decision that, in hindsight, may have proven catastrophic.
A System Under Scrutiny
What makes this case particularly resonant is the broader context it exposes. The involvement of an auxiliary nurse—a practitioner without the full qualifications of a registered nurse or doctor—highlights ongoing concerns about medical regulation and the informal healthcare practices that sometimes fill the gaps in Nigeria’s health system. For many families, especially those in urgent need of care, these auxiliary practitioners are often the first and most accessible point of contact. The Mohbad case, however, tragically illustrates the potential perils of this reliance.
Justice Delayed, Justice Denied?
Perhaps the most pressing issue raised in Joseph Aloba’s petition is the perceived delay in action from the state. Despite the Coroner’s report being issued over two months ago, no criminal proceedings have been initiated against the named individuals. In the world of justice, time is often of the essence, and for a grieving father, every day without action can feel like an eternity.
“Our client, as a bereaved father who seeks justice, is deeply troubled by the fact that, despite the clear indictments contained in the Coroner’s verdict, no prosecutorial steps have been taken since July 11, 2025,” the letter from Shittu stated, capturing the profound frustration of the Aloba family.
This inertia raises a critical question: in high-profile cases that command significant public attention, what is a reasonable timeframe for the wheels of justice to begin turning? The delay risks being interpreted as indifference, potentially eroding public trust in the legal system’s commitment to holding power—and negligence—to account.
The Legal Pathway Forward
In his petition, Wahab Shittu did not merely state a grievance; he proposed a clear and urgent pathway forward. He implored the Attorney-General to commence prosecution within a 14-day window, emphasizing the “high sensitivity” and immense “public interest” surrounding the case. The demand for a swift timeline underscores the urgency felt by the family and the watching public.
Furthermore, the legal counsel presented a contingency plan. Should the Lagos State Government, for any reason, decline to pursue the case, Shittu requested a formal fiat—an official authorization—allowing his legal team to prosecute the matter on behalf of the state under the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State. This is a strategic move, ensuring that even if state resources are otherwise engaged, the pursuit of justice will not be abandoned.
A Nation Watches and Waits
The death of Mohbad was more than a personal tragedy; it became a national event. The young artist, known for his vibrant music and association with the Marlian Music label, represented a generation of Nigerian youth forging new paths in the global music scene. His sudden and mysterious death triggered an outpouring of grief, speculation, and a powerful demand for answers under the social media hashtag #JusticeForMohbad.
This public pressure was instrumental in ensuring a thorough investigation, leading to the exhumation of his body for an autopsy and the subsequent Coroner’s Inquest. Now, with the facts laid bare by a judicial process, the focus shifts to accountability. The actions—or inactions—of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in the coming days will be closely watched, not just by the Aloba family, but by a nation keen to see if its institutions can deliver justice for one of its lost sons.
The case stands at a critical juncture. It tests the integrity of the medical regulatory framework, the responsiveness of the justice system, and the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens from malpractice. For Joseph Aloba, it is a deeply personal crusade for his son. For Nigeria, it is a benchmark case that could redefine accountability in a system often criticized for its delays.
As the 14-day deadline looms, the ball is now firmly in the court of the Lagos State Government. The world is watching to see if the clear indictments of a coroner’s court will translate into concrete legal action, or if the cries for justice for Mohbad will continue to echo, unanswered.
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