The family of late hip-hop singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba popularly called Mohbad, has rejected the autopsy report released on the circumstances surrounding the artiste death and demanded that an independent toxicology be conducted on their son’s body to reveal cause of death.
The family stated that the issues that had trailed the autopsy report presented before the Coroner court sitting in Ikorodu by a Forensic Scientist and Pathologist from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof Sunday Soyemi, indicated traces of discrepancies in the findings carried out by the Nigerian Police and the medical experts from the state.
It alleged that this issues have cast shadow on the authenticity of the report, saying an independent toxicology would provide better understanding on cause of their son’s death.
Aside from that, they alleged that the silence from the government and police on the media report which contained the United States laboratory denial on conducting autopsy on Mohbad has left them to wonder if the investigation was for truth seeking.
The family declared its stance against the autopsy report on Monday during a press briefing held virtually and attended by The Guild correspondent.
This came barely one month after the pathologist representing LASUTH appeared before court to present findings done after the artiste was pronounced dead by medical experts.
During the press briefing attended by the deceased father, who didn’t speak but allowed the family counsel, Wahab Shittu and Taiwo Odumosu, they alleged further that the delay to unravel cause of the artiste death has continued to prolong their pains currently suffered over their son’s death.
Apparently not satisfied by the continued delay, the Aloba family recommended that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, intervene on the investigation, in order to protect the law enforcement agency’s integrity.
According to the family: “This outcome is entirely unacceptable to us and the Aloba Family and raises serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation by the police and the medical team into the untimely death of their beloved son, brother, and friend.
“The Aloba family and, indeed, the whole world demand to know where the toxicology test was carried out as this has impugned the integrity.
“The legal team wonders how the letterhead and the address of the National Medical Services Laboratories in Pennsylvania, USA appeared on the toxicology test report if the test was not truly carried out in the USA.
“The legal team is puzzled more given the discrepancies in the further response given by the NMS laboratories ascribing the test to another sister laboratory. The conflict of interest that bothers on professional integrity. The public is interested in knowing the relationship between the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Laboratory, NMS in the USA and ITSI Biosciences who allegedly completed the toxicology test on behalf of the Lagos State government.
“The Aloba Family, in their quest for truth and justice, had hoped that the toxicology test, reportedly conducted in the United States, would shed light on the circumstances surrounding his tragic passing.
However, the declaration of the test as ‘inconclusive’ fails to provide the clarity needed and undermines the public as well as his family’s faith in the investigative process.
In light of these developments, the Aloba Family is compelled to denounce the ‘inconclusive’ toxicology test results and put forth the following demands and positions: Independent Re-Examination: We call for an independent re-examination of the toxicology samples by a reputable and internationally recognized forensic laboratory. This re-examination should be conducted with the utmost transparency and adherence to the highest standards of forensic science.
Comprehensive Review of Procedures: A thorough review of the procedures and protocols followed during the initial toxicology testing is imperative. This review should include an assessment of the chain of custody, handling, and analysis of the samples to ensure that no procedural lapses or contamination occurred.
Collaboration with International Experts: We urge the involvement of independent international forensic experts to oversee and validate the re-examination process. Their participation will help restore confidence in the findings and ensure that all possible avenues are explored.
“The Aloba Family demands full disclosure of all findings and reports related to the toxicology tests. Transparency is crucial to understanding the cause of death and dispelling any doubts or suspicions.
“Time is of the essence in this matter. We call upon the relevant authorities to expedite the re-examination process and ensure that the family receives definitive answers without undue delay.
‘The Nigeria Police has not done enough in this case. The investigation so far conducted does not show the thoroughness and professionalism expected in a murder case of this nature. We call on the Inspector General of Police to personally intervene in this investigation and bring the perpetrators to book.
“The Aloba Family remains steadfast in their pursuit of truth and justice for Ilerioluwa. They deserve clear, definitive answers regarding the cause of his death, and it is the responsibility of the investigative bodies to provide them with such clarity. The current ‘inconclusive’ results only serve to prolong their agony and uncertainty, which is both unfair and unjust.
‘Considering the Coroner Inquest, we appeal to the presiding Magistrate at the to ensure that an independent toxicology report is submitted to the Coroner’s Court before submitting the final report to the authorities. Presently, we have an application before the Coroner Court seeking approval to conduct an independent autopsy and toxicology test.
“We call on the presiding magistrate in the matter to expedite a hearing on the independent autopsy and toxicology application. That is the only way justice can be served in this case”.
