The Lagos State Coroner sitting in Ikorodu has recommended the criminal prosecution of an unlicensed nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe over the death of 26-year-old singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as MohBad.
Delivering the verdict on Friday, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi cited unlawful medical practice and gross negligence in the administering of an injection on the late singer without a doctor’s prescription.
The coroner ruled out foul play or homicide in the death of MohBad, who died on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances.
“In pursuant to Section 29 of the Coroner Laws of Lagos State, this court recommends that the prosecution of the unlicensed medical personnel by the office of the Director of Public Prosecution should commence appropriate prosecution against Felicia Ogedengbe for unlawful medical practice and gross negligence,” the Magistrate said.
Unlicensed nurse administered injection on MohBad
According to Magistrate Shotobi, Ogedengbe was neither a registered nurse nor a licensed medical practitioner and, therefore, acted unlawfully by administering a tetanus injection that reportedly triggered complications resulting in MohBad’s death.
The Coroner also expressed concern over regulatory lapses in the health sector, which, she noted, have allowed unqualified individuals to operate as healthcare providers.
In addition, the court ordered an investigation into the failure of the Nigeria Police to act on a petition filed by the late singer before his death, urging relevant authorities to determine whether there was official negligence.
She ruled out foul play or homicide in MohBad’s death on September 12, 2023, but affirmed a “medical misadventure” linked to the sudden convulsion that followed the injection administered at his Lekki home.
The inquest, instituted by the Lagos State Judiciary amid public outcry and allegations surrounding the controversial death, heard testimonies from 19 witnesses. These included family members, medical experts, and legal representatives.
Pathologists who performed separate autopsies cited a severe reaction to the injection as the likely cause of death, although the decomposing state of the body prevented a definitive conclusion. The coroner noted, “I cannot certify a true cause of death, but draw a link from the sudden reaction of the deceased after being injected by the nurse. The death is not linked to any evidence of foul play, but medical negligence.”
According to the court, Ogedengbe, who is neither a registered nurse nor a licensed medical practitioner, acted unlawfully by administering the injection that triggered fatal complications. The Coroner also raised concerns over lapses in healthcare regulation, which she said allowed unqualified individuals to operate.
Beyond medical negligence, the coroner’s report touched on broader systemic failures. It faulted the Nigeria Police Force for failing to act on a petition MohBad filed before his death, in which he accused his former promoter, Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, and one Sam Larry of threats to his life. Despite testimonies about harassment and bullying, the court found no direct link between them and the cause of death.
The court further highlighted cultural factors that influenced the “hasty and undignified” burial carried out by MohBad’s father, Joseph Aloba, without proper medical procedures, such as obtaining a death certificate or conducting an autopsy.
“The burial was done hastily, without embalment, despite the two million naira support given by musician, Davido, and there was no due consultation with crucial members of the family including the mother and wife,” the Coroner noted.
The court also found fault with the musician’s wife, Wunmi, for not insisting on proper medical attention for the injury MohBad sustained before his death and for failing to take action against the mishandling of his remains.
In her final recommendations, Magistrate Shotobi called for a full-scale investigation into the conduct of the Police, a ban on unlicensed persons administering intravenous treatments, enforcement of anti-bullying regulations in the music industry, and mandatory investigations into sudden deaths of young and healthy persons before burial.
She also urged a proper and dignified reburial for the late artiste, stating that MohBad had suffered turbulent moments due to systemic failure from his family, institutions, and the music industry.
