The death of Nigerian singer MohBad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Olademeji Aloba, has triggered protests and demands for justice from his fans and fellow musicians. The 27-year-old Afrobeats star died on September 12 at a Lagos hospital, where he was allegedly treated for an infection. He was buried the next day, without a clear cause of death being announced.
MohBad was known for his songs such as Peace, Feel Good and Ronaldo, and had collaborated with artists such as Davido, Zlatan and Bella Shmurda. He had also left his former label, Marlian Records, last year after a dispute with its boss, Naira Marley. His family said he was trying to retrieve his music from the label before his death.
Many of his fans suspect foul play and have taken to the streets in several cities across southern Nigeria, holding placards and chanting slogans such as #JusticeForMohBad and #ImoleLivesOn. They have also expressed their grief and anger on X, formerly known as Twitter, where the hashtags have been trending.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has promised a thorough investigation into MohBad’s death and has invited the DSS to assist. He also urged anyone with information to come forward and asked the public to refrain from making inflammatory statements.
A senior police officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, announced on X that MohBad’s body had been exhumed for an autopsy, which is expected to reveal the cause of his death. He also said that a nurse who reportedly injected the singer before his demise had been arrested.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, said he was representing MohBad’s widow, Wunmi, who had sought his support in pursuing justice for her late husband. He said he had met with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, and was assured of the progress of the investigation.
MohBad’s family thanked the public for their love and prayers, and said they were open to cooperate with the authorities. They also said they wanted to preserve the legacy of MohBad and remember him as he was in his final months: “Free, strong and fighting for his future.”
MohBad is survived by his wife and a son who is said to be five months old.
Source: PUNCH
