In recent developments surrounding the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, the Lagos State Police Command has addressed concerns from fans and friends requesting the release of the deceased artist’s corpse. The police emphasized that only the family has the authority to make such a request.
This statement comes after an outcry from fans and acquaintances of Mohbad, urging the police to release the remains for burial. As reported on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, marked two months since the late Mohbad’s corpse was exhumed for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The police have revealed that the official autopsy report is still pending. Benjamin Hundeyin, the state Police Public Relations Officer, had previously mentioned in a tweet in September that the autopsy had been concluded, and they were awaiting the results.
Responding to inquiries about the release of the autopsy report on Monday, Hundeyin clarified that the report had not been officially received by the command. He stated, “The autopsy report has not been given to us. Some people have been carrying rumors that it’s ready. It’s one thing for it to be ready, it’s another thing for it to be given to us officially.”
Notably, Nigerian artiste Bella Shmurda and other netizens have joined the appeal for the police to release Mohbad’s remains. Mohbad’s mother, Olumiyi, revealed in a viral video that she visited the state command last week and was informed that her son’s remains were ready for release. She alleged that the delay in burial was due to the father’s refusal to collect the body.
In response, Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, asserted in a TikTok video on Sunday that nobody should take his son’s body for burial without his authorization. He emphasized his role as the sole authority in deciding what happens to Mohbad’s remains.
The situation has escalated with Mohbad’s mother urging Nigerians to support her plea for the release of her son’s corpse. She expressed frustration with the delay and implored those who had been involved in exhuming Mohbad’s body to advocate for its burial.
While the father has remained silent on the delay of the autopsy results, the police PRO, Hundeyin, reiterated that only Mohbad’s family has the right to request the release of his corpse. He stated, “On the issue of the corpse, fans cannot request the corpse, well-wishers cannot request the corpse, only the family can request the corpse, and the family has not done that.”
Hundeyin added, “They (the family) will request it when they’re ready. If they request it today, they will get it today.” The unfolding events surrounding Mohbad’s death continue to capture public attention, awaiting further updates from the involved parties.
