LAGOS — The Coroner Court sitting in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has ordered the prosecution of Ms. Feyisayo Ogedengbe, an auxiliary nurse whose alleged unlawful medical practice has been linked to the death of 27-year-old Nigerian Afrobeats star, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, Magistrate C.A. Shotobi directed the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to file charges against Ogedengbe, who administered a tetanus injection to the late singer before his sudden death on September 12, 2023.
The coroner found that Ogedengbe was neither a registered nurse nor a licensed medical practitioner at the time of the incident. Her administration of the injection, according to the court, constituted an unlawful act that ultimately triggered a chain of medical complications leading to Mohbad’s demise.
“Pursuant to Section 29 of the Coroner Laws of Lagos State, this court recommends the prosecution of the unlicensed medical personnel, Felicia Ogedengbe, by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, for unlawful medical practice and gross negligence,” Magistrate Shotobi ruled.
The court also took aim at systemic failures in Nigeria’s health sector, lamenting the widespread lack of regulatory oversight that has allowed unqualified individuals to pose as healthcare providers. The coroner warned that this poses a serious risk to public health and called for urgent reforms.
In addition, the court ordered an inquiry into the Nigeria Police Force’s handling of a petition filed by Mohbad before his death. The petition, which alleged assault and intimidation by fellow musicians Naira Marley and Sam Larry, was reportedly not acted upon. The coroner described the police’s inaction as troubling and potentially negligent, urging relevant authorities to investigate the lapse and determine if disciplinary or legal consequences are warranted.
The court’s findings also highlighted personal failings in the singer’s final days. Mohbad’s father was criticized for hastily burying his son without an autopsy, raising questions about possible concealment or ignorance of legal procedure. Similarly, the coroner questioned the decision of Mohbad’s wife to continue administering treatment at home rather than seeking professional medical help.
Mohbad’s death sparked outrage across Nigeria and the diaspora, prompting calls for justice and accountability. A special investigation team was immediately formed to examine the circumstances surrounding his mysterious passing, which stirred intense public debate and widespread speculation on social media.
A gifted and promising artist, Mohbad rose to fame with his emotionally charged lyrics and captivating stage presence. His music resonated with millions and earned him a loyal fanbase. His untimely death left a gaping hole in Nigeria’s entertainment industry and rekindled conversations about mental health, artist welfare, and the music industry’s darker undercurrents.
With the coroner’s ruling, legal proceedings are now expected to begin, possibly reopening the case and offering a path toward justice for Mohbad, his family, and his fans.
