Two years after the shocking death of fast-rising Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, questions still overshadow his legacy. The 27-year-old artist passed away on September 12, 2023, under circumstances that remain unclear, and despite investigations, inquests, and protests, justice remains elusive.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Mohbad was one of the brightest talents in Nigeria’s music scene, known for hit singles like Peace, Ask About Me, and KPK (Ko Por Ke). His unique style blended streetwise energy with raw emotional honesty, earning him a loyal fan base. His sudden death at such a young age devastated the music community and sparked widespread grief across Nigeria and beyond.
The Controversial Death and Rushed Burial
Reports indicated that Mohbad died after receiving treatment at a Lagos hospital. Within 24 hours, his body was hurriedly buried in Ikorodu, Lagos State. The speed of the burial immediately raised suspicion among fans, rights advocates, and fellow musicians. Many questioned why there was such urgency and whether key evidence had been lost in the process.
Mounting pressure from the public forced authorities to exhume Mohbad’s remains weeks later for a full autopsy, a rare development in Nigeria’s entertainment history.
Investigations and Arrests
The Nigerian Police launched a criminal investigation into the death. A nurse who allegedly administered injections to Mohbad became the prime suspect and was taken into custody. Several other individuals, including figures connected to his former record label, were questioned.
Despite these moves, no clear criminal case has been concluded. Instead, the process has been marked by detentions, speculation, and delays. Fans, family members, and civil society groups argue that justice has been stalled, with little accountability for those directly or indirectly linked to the tragedy.
Autopsy and Forensic Challenges
The post-mortem examination ordered after the exhumation brought little clarity. Pathologists reported that the autopsy was inconclusive due to limited evidence, further frustrating efforts to identify the exact cause of death.
However, a Lagos State coroner’s inquest later determined that medical negligence was a significant factor. The coroner recommended the prosecution of the unlicensed nurse who treated Mohbad before his death. Yet, despite the ruling, prosecution has stalled, and no decisive outcome has been reached in court.
Public Outcry and Protests
Mohbad’s death ignited a national outcry that stretched beyond the music industry. Vigils, marches, and protests erupted across major Nigerian cities. Youths carried placards demanding “Justice for Mohbad,” turning his death into a symbol of public frustration with Nigeria’s justice system.
The case highlighted wider systemic problems: a lack of trust in investigative institutions, gaps in forensic processes, and the slow pace of the judicial system.
Two Years On: Unanswered Questions
Today, Mohbad’s body remains unburied since its exhumation, a painful reminder of the unsettled nature of the case. His family, fans, and supporters continue to demand closure. For many, his case has become more than the story of a young artist gone too soon—it reflects the struggles of ordinary Nigerians in seeking truth and accountability.
Legacy and Symbolism
In death, Mohbad’s music and persona have grown even larger. His songs continue to dominate playlists, and his story remains a rallying cry for justice and reform. The phrase Justice for Mohbad has become both a demand for accountability and a cultural symbol of resistance against neglect and impunity.
Two years after, Nigeria is still waiting. The rushed burial, inconclusive autopsy, slow legal process, and unanswered questions have left Mohbad’s case unresolved. For his family and supporters, every passing day without justice deepens the wound.
As fans continue to sing his lyrics and celebrate his art, they also carry the burden of his unfinished story. Until the truth is fully established and justice is served, Mohbad’s death will remain one of the most haunting chapters in Nigeria’s music history.
Adesina Kasali
