Mohbad: US Toxicologist’s Report Received, Trial Commences Soon, Says Lagos AG

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Lawal Pedro (SAN), has given the assurance that trial will commence soon to unravel the persons behind the death of the late Singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba popularly known as Mohbad.

While answering questions from journalists on Monday on the long delay that the case has suffered in court, Pedro attributed the delay to a “prolonged investigation” of the case.

He said, “Forensic, analysis, toxicology, all these are part of the investigation. Full proof investigation that can lead at least to conviction in a case that is presented before the courts.”

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Pedro also pointed out that the forensic investigations were done in the United States because the Lagos DNA and Forensic Centre were burnt during the #EndSARS protest of October 2020. This he said necessitated that the toxicology report and other forensic analysis be conducted in the United States.

He confirmed that the reports have been received from the US and the autopsy is now with the Lagos State Pathologist, as well as the Coroner magistrate.

“The delay is now with the family of Mohbad who has indicated that they would like to conduct their independent autopsy but despite this, the trial will soon commence and the court will do justice in the matter”, the AG said.

In the case of billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Nwamadike popularly known as Evans, the AG also spoke on the delay in the plea bargain agreement which has stalled the proceedings in the courtrooms.

He said the agreement has been submitted to the panel which advises the office of the AG on such matters, and once they reach a decision and send the same to him, he would also vet and thoroughly scrutinise same before sending his report to the court.

Pedro also spoke about the case of a female lawyer, Otike-Odibi, who was said to have killed her lawyer husband, Symphorosa Otike-Odibi, and cut off his penis. The AG said the prosecution of the case suffered delay because the case file was among documents that got burnt when the Igbosere High Court was burnt by EndSARS protesters, in 2020.

He however gave the assurance that the matter will be properly prosecuted.