A pathologist’s testimony has revealed that the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, was not caused by drug abuse, contradicting earlier speculations.
The testimony was presented during a coroner’s inquest at the Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the 27-year-old artist’s death on September 12, 2023. The inquest, which resumed after months of delays, has drawn significant public attention due to Mohbad’s rising fame and the controversies following his passing.
The pathologist, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, stated that an autopsy conducted at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) showed no evidence of toxicology-related causes, such as drug overdose, in Mohbad’s system. The report indicated that the singer’s body was already decomposing when the autopsy was performed, complicating efforts to pinpoint the exact cause of death.
However, the pathologist ruled out drug abuse as a factor, noting that preliminary findings pointed to a possible anaphylactic shock or respiratory failure, though further tests were inconclusive due to the body’s condition. The testimony aligns with earlier submissions from Mohbad’s family, who have consistently denied claims of substance abuse.
The inquest also heard from other witnesses, including Mohbad’s wife, Wunmi Aloba, who recounted the events leading up to his death, including a reported altercation and medical treatment at a hospital in Lekki. The coroner, Magistrate T.A. Shotobi, adjourned the case to May 15, 2025, for further testimonies, as the court seeks to clarify conflicting accounts.
Mohbad’s death has sparked widespread outrage, with fans and activists demanding justice amid allegations of foul play involving associates and his former label, Marlian Music. The Lagos State Police have detained several individuals, but no charges have been filed. The case continues to highlight issues of artist welfare and accountability in Nigeria’s music industry.