Kemisola Oye
THE Coroner inquiring into the cause of death of 27-year-old musician IleriOluwa Oladimeji Aloba (professionally known as MohBad) has held its preliminary sitting at the Candide Johnson Courthouse, Ikorodu, Lagos,
Journalists were barred from witnessing proceedings, however, court officials said the decision was sequel to an order by the Chief Registrar, Tajudeed Elias.
It was also gathered that this move was taken as a crowd control measure.
After the hearing, the deceased’s family counsel, Funmi Falana told journalists that the magistrate, Adetayo Shotobi discussed the modalities of the inquest with all counsel, including the format that witnesses will take to testify. She added that the legal team will present their witnesses at the next hearing fixed for 13 October.
“The essence of the Coroner is to inquire as to the cause of death. It is an inquisitorial sitting, so what we had today was to decide on the modalities as to how and when and regarding the witnesses that will testify.”
Other interested parties that attended the sitting include the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and a record label, TNKAY Music.
The inquest is pursuant to the extant provisions of sections 14 and 15 of the Coroner’s System Law of Lagos State, Cap C15, Laws of Lagos State 2015.
This is in response to a letter written by the chambers of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana to the office of the Chief Coroner over the controversial death which was said to have occurred in the Ikorodu area of the state.
MohBad died on Tuesday, 12 September in a manner that led to great outcry and several protests, amidst calls by many for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Before his death, he had made a series of accusations of being bullied and harassed by his former manager, Azeez Fashola (popularly known as Naira Marley) who owns the record label, Marlian Music.
He was buried the next day. A few days later, Police authorities exhumed the singer’s body from his graveside in Ikorodu.
While an autopsy has since been carried out, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin said the result is being awaited.
Eighteen-Eleven Media