By Lukman Olabiyi
The Aloba family has expressed frustration over the handling of the investigation into the death of late singer and songwriter, Ilerioluwa Promise Aloba, also known as Mohbad, by the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement released to mark the first anniversary of Mohbad’s death, the family’s legal team, led by Emmanuel Oroko of Hillceetee Partners, accused the police of failing both the family and the public. Taiwo Odumosu, a member of the legal team, criticised the police for alleged “overt complicity” in the investigation.
Odumosu claimed that police officers relied excessively on witness statements to form legal conclusions and failed to disclose the details of their investigative efforts.
“The legal team faced significant obstacles, including a lack of cooperation from the police when an independent autopsy and toxicology test were ordered by the court.
“Requests to access evidence and documents related to the case were reportedly ignored by the police, with no acknowledgment or response to the family’s reminders,” the family. The Aloba family highlighted a case involving the illegal embalming of the deceased by Boluwatife Adeyemo, known as Darosha.
The family said: “Despite a petition submitted to the police on March 25, 2024, and subsequent interrogations of the parties involved, no charges have been filed, leading to accusations of a cover-up.”
The family has also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to remove the officers responsible for the case due to their alleged mishandling. The PSC, he said, which oversees police appointments, promotions, and discipline, has yet to respond to these petitions.
Odumosu called on police authorities to address the family’s distress and ensure justice for Mohbad.