The death of popular Nigerian rapper Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, has dominated headlines since his untimely demise on September 12, 2024. Now, a detailed account of his final moments has emerged, providing insight into the events leading up to his tragic passing. Eyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who administered treatment to Mohbad, testified before Justice C.A. Shotobi at the Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, revealing crucial details about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Ogedengbe, whose testimony spanned hours, recounted the sequence of events that culminated in Mohbad’s demise. Her account provides a harrowing glimpse into the chaos that unfolded during what was supposed to be a routine medical procedure. According to her, Mohbad suffered a severe reaction after receiving a tetanus injection at his Lekki residence.
Arriving at approximately 2:30pm, Ogedengbe noticed a swollen cut on Mohbad’s right hand. She administered a tetanus shot to his upper arm, followed by paracetamol and ceftriaxone for a bacterial infection. However, as she injected him with ceftriaxone, Mohbad began experiencing discomfort and vomited in the toilet. Returning to the room, he sat on the floor, where Ogedengbe observed goosebumps on his body—a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
Ogedengbe immediately alerted Mohbad’s wife, Omowunmi, who reassured her that it was the rapper’s usual response to injections. Despite this, Ogedengbe grew increasingly concerned and contacted Ayobami Sodiq, also known as Spending, who had initially requested her services. Together, they rushed to a nearby pharmacy to obtain medication for the reaction.
Their efforts were thwarted by delays at the first pharmacy. Undeterred, they visited another pharmacy and secured hydrocortisone injection and normal saline infusion. Upon returning to Mohbad’s residence, they discovered that he had been moved outside the house. Preparations were underway to transport him to the hospital, but due to a lack of available vehicles and heavy traffic, Mohbad was transported on a motorcycle.
Tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Ogedengbe noted that medical personnel initially hesitated to treat him, leading to confusion and further delays. Mohbad’s body was taken back to his residence around 8pm, while Ogedengbe and others proceeded to Orchid Lekki Police Station to obtain a death certificate. They were eventually directed to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah for further reporting.
The case was adjourned to March 21 for further hearings, following cross-examinations by Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN (representing Mohbad’s family), Kabir Akingbolu (counsel for Omowunmi), and the Lagos State legal representatives.
Separately, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at a Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, announced that Ogedengbe and Sodiq would face prosecution for reckless and negligent acts under Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. In contrast, popular musician Abdulazeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, along with music promoter Samson Balogun (Sam Larry), Owodunni Ibrahim (Primeboy), and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde, were acquitted of any charges in the case.
A Detailed Timeline of Events
To understand the gravity of the situation, it is essential to reconstruct the timeline of events:
- Initial Treatment: Ogedengbe arrived at Mohbad’s Lekki residence at approximately 2:30pm and administered a tetanus shot, paracetamol, and ceftriaxone for a bacterial infection.
- Reaction: Shortly after receiving the ceftriaxone, Mohbad began vomiting and exhibited signs of a severe allergic reaction, including goosebumps.
- Response: Ogedengbe and Ayobami rushed to a pharmacy to obtain medication for the reaction, encountering delays at the first location.
- Transportation: Due to a lack of available vehicles and heavy traffic, Mohbad was transported to the hospital on a motorcycle.
- Hospital Arrival: Upon reaching the hospital, medical personnel hesitated to treat him, leading to further delays.
- Death: Mohbad was declared dead on arrival.
The Lagos State DPP’s decision to prosecute Ogedengbe and Sodiq underscores the seriousness of the incident. Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, addresses reckless and negligent acts that result in death. The prosecution seeks to hold accountable those responsible for what many believe could have been a preventable tragedy.
Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, representing Mohbad’s family, questioned the adequacy of the treatment and the delays in obtaining medical assistance. His cross-examination focused on the timeline and the actions taken during the critical moments leading up to Mohbad’s death. Kabir Akingbolu, counsel for Omowunmi, sought to establish whether there were extenuating circumstances that could mitigate liability.
The case has sparked widespread discussion about the availability and quality of healthcare services in Nigeria. Critics argue that the delays in obtaining medication and transportation to the hospital were indicative of systemic failures. The acquittal of Naira Marley and others involved in the case highlights the complexity of assigning blame in such incidents.
Eyisayo Ogedengbe’s testimony provides a chilling account of the events that led to Mohbad’s death. While the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and accountability in medical practice. As the nation mourns the loss of a talented artist, the questions linger: Could this tragedy have been prevented? And what steps must be taken to ensure that such incidents do not occur again?
