Journalists were denied access to the preliminary inquiry conducted by the Coroner’s Court regarding the untimely death of 27-year-old musician IleriOluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. The preliminary inquiry took place at the Candido-Johnson Courthouse in Ita-Elewa, Ikorodu.

Court officials informed journalists that they were acting on instructions from Coroner Magistrate Adetayo Shotobi to prevent media coverage of the proceedings. This decision was reportedly made as a crowd control measure and was directed by the Chief Registrar, Tajideed Elias.

Following the hearing, Funmi Falana, the counsel representing the deceased’s family, spoke to journalists. She mentioned that Magistrate Shotobi discussed the details of the inquest with all the counsels, including the format for witness testimonies. She added that the legal team would present their witnesses during the next hearing scheduled for October 13.

Falana explained, “The purpose of the coroner’s inquiry is to determine the cause of death. It is an investigative proceeding. Today’s session was focused on establishing the procedures for testimony and witness appearances.”

Other parties present at the inquiry included the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the record label TNKAY MUSIC.

This inquiry is being conducted in accordance with sections 14 and 15 of the Coroner’s System Law of Lagos State, as stipulated in Cap C15 of the Laws of Lagos State 2015. It was initiated in response to a letter from the chambers of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), to the office of the Chief Coroner. The letter raised concerns about the controversial circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death, which was reported to have occurred in the Ikorodu area of the state.

Mohbad’s demise on Tuesday, September 12, triggered widespread public outcry and numerous protests. Many have called for a thorough investigation into the matter. Before his death, the musician had made allegations of bullying and harassment by his former manager, Naira Marley, who owns the record label Marlian Music.

Several days after his burial, the police exhumed Mohbad’s body from his gravesite in Ikorodu. While an autopsy has been conducted, the results are still pending, according to Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command.