Court Orders Nurse’s Trial Over Mohbad Death

A Lagos State Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu has directed the prosecution of Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who gave an injection to the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, shortly before his death.

Magistrate C.A. Shotobi, who led the inquest, ruled that Ogedengbe administered medical treatment without proper qualifications. According to the court, she was neither a registered nurse nor a licensed medical practitioner, making her action unlawful and negligent. The injection reportedly caused complications that led to Mohbad’s death.

The court’s ruling was part of a broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s passing on September 12, 2023. Mohbad, just 27 years old, died suddenly, prompting public outcry and demands for answers from fans and the entertainment industry.

In addition to calling for Ogedengbe’s prosecution, the court ordered the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to take up the case for unlawful medical practice and gross negligence. The magistrate described the case as an example of regulatory failure in Nigeria’s health system, where unqualified individuals are allowed to operate freely.

The court also directed authorities to look into the Nigeria Police’s handling of a petition Mohbad filed before his death. The petition, which accused music executive Naira Marley and show promoter Sam Larry of assault and intimidation, was reportedly ignored by police despite clear signs that the artist felt threatened.

Magistrate Shotobi questioned why no action was taken on such a serious matter and recommended a full investigation to determine whether law enforcement failed in its duty.

The inquest further criticised Mohbad’s family for decisions made after his death. His father was blamed for authorising a rushed burial without an autopsy, while his wife was faulted for treating him at home during a medical emergency instead of taking him to a hospital.

Mohbad’s sudden death shocked the music community and his fans, with widespread speculation about what led to his collapse. A special investigation team was set up by Lagos State to probe the matter. The coroner’s findings now place responsibility on multiple parties—unqualified healthcare, police inaction, and family choices—all of which, the court suggests, played a part in the tragic outcome.

Known for his lyrical talent and unique voice, Mohbad was rising fast in Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene. His passing not only left a void in the music world but also sparked debates on artist welfare, public safety, and justice.

With this ruling, the spotlight now turns to the DPP’s next steps and whether those linked to the singer’s final hours will be held accountable.