The Lagos State government has announced its readiness to commence the trial into the death of popular rapper and songwriter, Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as MohBad, one year after his passing. Lawal Pedro, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, made this disclosure during a press briefing on Monday.
Pedro acknowledged the delay in the investigation, attributing it to the time required for thorough forensic analysis and toxicology reports. He emphasized, “On Mohbad’s case, I agree there has been a delay and the delay is borne out of time taken for investigation. Forensic analysis, toxicology, all this are part of the investigation.”
Pedro explained that the government prioritizes a comprehensive investigation to ensure a conviction. “So, it is better to have a complete full-proof investigation that can lead, at least, to a conviction of a case that is presented before a court, than to hush-hush and rush to court.” He cautioned that rushing the process could lead to acquittal due to incomplete evidence.
The Attorney-General noted that the toxicology report from the United States has been received and is with the coroner. Additionally, MohBad’s family members have requested an independent forensic analysis. Pedro clarified, “But I understand that the family members of Mohbad have also requested the coroner to hold on, that they also wanted to conduct their independent forensic analysis. However, this should not stop us now that the report is out.”
Pedro assured that prosecution will commence based on available evidence. “I am very sure if the legal advice was not out last week, it should be out this week. And those to be prosecuted will be prosecuted based on available evidence.” He emphasized that the delay was not intentional. “That’s the position about Mohbad’s case, it’s not a deliberate delay.”
Pedro also attributed the delay to the destruction of the Lagos Forensic Laboratory during the EndSARS protest. “Had the Lagos Forensic Laboratory on the Island not been destroyed during the EndSARS protest, the case would have ended by now. We would not have had cause to send the report outside the country for analysis because we had the facility here then.” He highlighted the significant cost of foreign analysis, stating, “It is not cheap to do such analysis. In the US, it runs into thousands of dollars to get it done.”
Pedro concluded, “As for Mohbad’s case, as far as we are concerned, justice would be done.” The government’s commitment to ensuring justice for MohBad’s family and fans is clear, with the trial set to commence soon.
