... calls on IGP to intervene, bring killers to book
The end to the quest for justice for late Nigerian musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly called Mohbad, may not be over, following his family's rejection of the declaration of the toxicology test results as inconclusive by the pathologist. Therefore, the family has demanded that a re-examination be conducted with the utmost transparency and adherence to the highest standards of forensic science.
Besides, late Mohbad's family has accused the police of not carrying out a thorough investigation into his death and, therefore, called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to personally intervene in the investigation and bring those who have hands in his death to book.
In a virtual press conference anchored by its lawyers, Wahab Shittu and Taiwo Odumosu, the family explained that its position followed a report on the denial of a United States laboratory to have conducted a poison test on the late musician, as against the Lagos State Government's claims that the test was conducted there.
The lawyers said, "We, the legal representatives of the Aloba family, express our profound dissatisfaction and disappointment with the recent announcement regarding the toxicology test results of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, which have been declared 'inconclusive' by the pathologist.
"This outcome is entirely unacceptable to us and the Aloba family and raises serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation by the police and the medical team into the untimely death of their beloved son, brother, and friend. The Aloba family and, indeed, the whole world demand to know where the toxicology test was carried out, as this has impugned its integrity.
"The legal team wonders how the letterhead and the address of the National Medical Services Laboratories in Pennsylvania, USA, appeared on the toxicology test report if the test was not truly carried out in the USA.
"The legal team is puzzled more, given the discrepancies in the further response given by the NMS laboratories ascribing the test to another sister laboratory. The conflict of interest bothers professional integrity. The public is interested in knowing the relationship between the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Laboratory, NMS in the USA, and ITSI Biosciences, which allegedly completed the toxicology test on behalf of the Lagos State government.
"The family's hope that the toxicology test reportedly conducted in the United States would shed light on the circumstances surrounding his tragic passing, has been dashed."
They further stated that the declaration of the test as 'inconclusive' failed to provide the clarity needed and undermined the public as well as late Mohbad family's faith in the investigative process.
In light of these developments, they hinted that the Aloba family was "compelled to denounce the 'inconclusive' toxicology test results and demand that re-examination be conducted with the utmost transparency and adherence to the highest standards of forensic science."
Other demands by the family, as highlighted by the lawyers, were "a thorough review of the procedures and protocols followed during the initial toxicology testing, which should include an assessment of the chain of custody, handling, and analysis of the samples to ensure that no procedural lapses or contamination occurred.
"We urge the involvement of independent international forensic experts to oversee and validate the re-examination process. Their participation will help restore confidence in the findings and ensure that all possible avenues are explored.
"The Aloba family demands full disclosure of all findings and reports related to the toxicology tests. Transparency is crucial to understanding the cause of death and dispelling any doubts or suspicions.
"Time is of the essence in this matter. We call upon the relevant authorities to expedite the re-examination process and ensure that the family receives definitive answers without undue delay," they said.
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Continuing, the lawyers said, "The Nigeria Police has not done enough in this case. The investigation so far conducted does not show the thoroughness and professionalism expected in a murder case of this nature. We call on the Inspector General of Police to personally intervene in this investigation and bring the perpetrators to book.
"The Aloba family remains steadfast in its pursuit of truth and justice for Ilerioluwa. They deserve clear, definitive answers regarding the cause of his death, and it is the responsibility of the investigative bodies to provide them with such clarity. The current 'inconclusive' results only serve to prolong their agony and uncertainty, which is both unfair and unjust.
"Considering the Coroner Inquest, we appeal to the presiding magistrate to ensure that an independent toxicology report is submitted to the Coroner's Court before submitting the final report to the authorities."
Recall that late Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, in Lagos, at the age of 27.
