Contempt Allegations Rock Mohbad’s Coroner Inquest
The International Observers for Justice for Mohbad, a global coalition dedicated to ensuring justice for the late Nigerian musician Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has filed a formal petition against Coroner Magistrate T.A. Shotobi for alleged contempt of court.
The petition, addressed to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, claims that Magistrate Shotobi violated a court order dated September 25, 2024, by continuing proceedings in the coroner inquest into Mohbad’s death, despite a stay order issued by Honourable Justice A.F. Pokanu of the High Court in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The group, with branches internationally but with members spanning various countries, expressed grave concerns over what they described as irregularities in the inquest.
They pointed to what they perceive as unnecessary delays and long adjournments in the proceedings, which, they claim, have allowed witnesses to suppress evidence and evade scrutiny.
The observers are particularly concerned by the handling of the cross-examination of Omowunmi Adebanjo, the widow of the deceased, whom the public has considered a prime suspect.
The group argues that Magistrate Shotobi’s frequent interruptions during Adebanjo’s cross-examination hindered the ability of legal counsel to thoroughly question her and extract necessary information.
In a turn of events on September 27, 2024, a court order from Justice Pokanu, mandating the suspension of proceedings, was served to Magistrate Shotobi.
However, despite this, Magistrate Shotobi reportedly convened the inquest three days later, on September 30, and continued to hear testimony from the Lagos State Pathologist.
This, according to the petition, shows a “deliberate” disregard for the High Court’s directive and a violation of judicial process.
The International Observers are now calling for Magistrate Shotobi to recuse herself from the coroner inquest or, failing that, face contempt proceedings before Justice Pokanu.
They argue that the inquest should comprehensively consider all available evidence, not just the medical findings, to determine the true cause of Mohbad’s death, which occurred under suspicious circumstances on September 12, 2023.
The petition has been sent to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, with copies also directed to the Lagos Judicial Service Commission and the Coroner Magistrate herself.
The group stresses that their actions are motivated by the principles of fairness, truth, and accountability, as they strive to ensure justice for Mohbad on a global scale.
