Mohbad death investigation took just four sittings to clarify, says Festus Ogun, who also condemns attacks on widow Wunmi as cruel and culturally rooted
Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun has disclosed that he was able to understand how Nigerian singer Mohbad died after only four sittings at the coroner’s inquest.
The revelation adds a new dimension to the ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the controversial death of the rising Afrobeats star.
Ogun, who first petitioned the Chief Coroner of Lagos to open an inquiry into Mohbad’s death, made the disclosure via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He said the proceedings at the inquest gave him enough insight to piece together the mystery behind the singer’s sudden demise.
“Barely four sittings, I had an idea of how Mohbad died,” Ogun stated. “Everything became very clear.”
Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, died in September 2023 under unclear circumstances.
His death triggered a national outcry, with fans demanding justice and accusing various individuals of complicity.
The Lagos State government responded by initiating an inquest, while police launched investigations into several possible causes.
Ogun’s statement has sparked fresh interest in the case.
Though he did not publicly share the exact details of his findings, he suggested that the evidence presented so far gave a strong indication of what transpired before the singer’s passing.
He also addressed the harassment faced by Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi. According to Ogun, the attacks on her reflect an old and troubling cultural pattern that blames women for the death of their husbands.
He condemned such behaviour and called for empathy and justice.
“It is common in Africa to see the husband’s family accusing the wife of being the mastermind of death,” he said.
“In some cultures, the widow will be cruelly compelled to indulge in rituals to prove her innocence. That barbaric culture is still around, and Wunmi is yet a victim.”
Barely four sittings, I had an idea of how Mohbad died.
Wunmi has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Despite this, she has faced accusations and cyberbullying, especially on social media.
Supporters of Mohbad have either accused her of withholding information or being involved in his death.
Ogun’s comments serve as a defence of her innocence and a plea for compassion.
The legal practitioner insisted that the justice system should be allowed to work, rather than letting mob mentality control the narrative.
He stated, “We must move away from this culture of emotional blackmail. Let the facts speak for themselves.”
Since Mohbad’s passing, his former record label boss Naira Marley and associate Sam Larry were taken in for questioning but later released. Both have denied any involvement in the singer’s death.
The inquest, which has now concluded its hearings, is expected to produce an official report soon.
The public has been anxiously awaiting the coroner’s verdict, as many hope it will finally lay the case to rest.
Ogun urged authorities to be transparent and fair in their conclusion, warning that any perception of bias could lead to further public unrest.
For fans of the late musician, the developments from the inquest and Ogun’s revelation bring a mix of closure and curiosity.
Many have continued to honour Mohbad’s memory through tributes, music streams, and public calls for justice.
Fresh concerns have emerged over compliance with a court order issued by the High Court of Kano State on April 8, 2026, restraining key parties—including the Honourable Minister of Education, the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, the Kano State Urban Development Authority, and Pluck Global Company Limited—from further actions pending the determination of the matter before the court.
Findings indicate that while all parties—except the concessionaire, Pluck Global Company Limited—were duly served within two days of the order, significant challenges were encountered in effecting service on the company, raising troubling questions about its corporate traceability and regulatory vetting.
A review of the company’s records filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) revealed addresses that could not be verified as functional business locations. Notably, documentation submitted to Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, dated June 20, 2024, listed two addresses: 8B, Lalupon Street, off Keffi Street, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, as its head office, and 3 Bargery Road, Bompai, Kano, as its branch office.
However, a physical visit to the Ikoyi address revealed that the entire property is occupied by a company identified as Golden Alchemy, whose staff категорically denied any knowledge of, or shared occupancy with, Pluck Global Company Limited.
Efforts to trace the Kano address yielded even more unsettling findings. The location—a locked duplex—showed no visible signs of commercial activity. Neighbours, while reluctant to speak on record, alluded to irregular movements at odd hours, casting further doubt on the legitimacy of the premises as a corporate office.
In a twist, after multiple attempts to establish contact, an individual purportedly representing the company surfaced in Kano and agreed to receive and acknowledge the court order on April 11, 2026, at approximately 6:00 pm. Curiously, the Ikoyi address—already discredited—was again listed as the company’s official address in the acknowledgment.
These developments raise critical questions regarding due diligence and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols on the part of the Federal Ministry of Education. They also cast a spotlight on the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), should a concession agreement indeed have been executed with the company. Stakeholders say it would be instructive to review the addresses contained in all official correspondences and contractual documents linked to the transaction.
Meanwhile, a visit to the premises of Federal Government College, Kano, revealed ongoing construction activity, with workers observed excavating foundations. When approached, the workers declined to disclose the authority under which they were operating—despite the subsistence of a court order restraining further action.
Notably, a previously installed project billboard bearing the insignia of the school authorities and the Federal Ministry of Education had been removed. Sources within the institution suggest that the directive for its removal may have emanated from the Ministry following receipt of the court order.
The unfolding situation presents a complex mix of legal, regulatory, and accountability issues—raising the spectre of possible non-compliance with judicial directives, as well as deeper concerns about transparency in public-private concession arrangements.