Mohbad: More protests, processions as Nigerians await autopsy result

Abuja residents on Friday took to the Unity Fountain for a candlelight procession in honour of the late singer Mohbad.

The Lagos-born Ilerioluwa Aloba died last week in what many have described as questionable circumstances.

Mohbad’s demise has continued to generate conversations among Nigerians with many taking to the streets to demand justice.

To further amplify the calls for justice, Abuja residents gathered in the heart of the nation’s capital for the candlelight procession and concert a day after Lagosians held a similar event.

Many Nigerians hold a candlelight procession in honour of late Afrobeats star Mohbad in the Victoria Island area of Lagos on September 21, 2023.

Many of them had placards with several inscriptions to drum home their message at the gathering which started at 7 pm. Dressed mostly in white tops, the participants danced to tunes from Mohbad’s songs. Nollywood star Tonko Dikeh was among those at the event.

Before now, there have been protests across the country and beyond as fans, mostly young people, demanded justice for the Peace crooner.

In Calabar, Cross Rivers State, there were protests with residents taking to the streets. They chanted against members of Mohbad’s former record label Marlian Music over allegations of bullying and harassment.

In Taraba, it was a similar situation as residents ignited candles and paid homage to the 27-year-old.

Outside the Nigerian shore, there was a massive billboard in New York with Mohbad’s images as calls for a probe into circumstances surrounding his death continued to gain global mileage.

The gathering and protests come just as police authorities exhumed the singer’s body from his graveside in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State a few days after he was buried.

While an autopsy has since been carried out, the spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command Benjamin Hundeyin said the result is being awaited.

“Autopsy has been concluded. Awaiting result…,” he wrote on his X account on Thursday night.

Already, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has charged police authorities in Lagos to conduct a thorough probe into Mohbad’s death. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu equally asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the investigations.

“I would like to assure everyone that I am not oblivious to the sad passing of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Imole Aloba (Mohbad). We have been closely working behind the scenes with relevant authorities, and keenly following the ongoing investigations,” Sanwo-Olu on his X handle Tuesday.

“However, in order to boost the investigations, I have invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the investigation and widen the dragnet with inter-agency collaboration and use of best-in-class technology to unearth the truth.”

The Senate has also waded into the matter with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Entertainment Economy Elisha Abbo visiting the singer’s family in Lagos State.

Accompanied by Tonto and another Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo, Senator Abbo assured the family of the government’s efforts to get justice for Mohbad.