The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) maintains singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, alias MohBad, was not poisoned in its custody, despite the controversy surrounding his death.
Following Mohbad’s death last Tuesday under mysterious circumstances, a video of the 27-year-old musician wailing on a hospital bed surfaced. Shortly after, some Nigerians accused the agency of poisoning the artist while he was allegedly arrested and detained.
Mohbad alleged in the video that he was forced to ingest a liquid substance, abused with the butt of a revolver, and then told to go home.
However, according to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the musician was never arrested or detained by the agency.
He claimed that, contrary to popular belief, the dead was not one of the Marlian Music performers arrested by the agency in 2022, and that this renders it impossible for Mohbad to have been poisoned while in their custody.
Babafemi also shared a link by an online platform detailing the arrest of six people, two females, and four males, in the persons of Oniyide Azeez (Zinoleesky), Owoeye Michael, and Abimbola Ogbe.
Others are Dominica Chinwe, Olaolohun Shubomi Mariam, and Ibrahim Alawo.
“This is an authentic account of the arrest and detention of some Malian artistes in Feb 2022, an incident that has now been twisted by purveyors of fake news to say Mohbad was poisoned or detained by the agency,” Babafemi tweeted.
“I hope they’ll be bold enough to defend their claims when the hand of the law catches them.”
Police Will Investigate Death
Last Thursday, police stated they would investigate the circumstances of the late singer’s death.
Although the musician has already been buried, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, stated that police were committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, who recently passed away. We understand the concerns regarding his untimely demise,” he said.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to a comprehensive investigation into this matter, as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstances of his death. Rest assured, updates will be provided as investigations unfold.
“We encourage family members or close associates with valuable information to approach the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to assist in this process. In the meantime, we kindly request that individuals refrain from making statements or engaging in activities that could jeopardize the ongoing investigation. Your trust and support are deeply valued.”
While Nigerians seek justice for the artist, the Lagos State Police Command has stated that the singer’s bones may be exhumed.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, this is in response to “growing public concerns” and a preliminary police investigation into the overall circumstances of Mohbad’s death.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has directed the commencement of full-scale criminal investigation into the case,” the command said.
