The International Observers in the Pursuit of Justice, a human rights group, has urged the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, Adedayo Shotobi, to maintain impartiality in the ongoing inquest into the death of the late singer Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its chairperson, Victoria Janolewsky, the group expressed concerns over the handling of Mohbad’s case and called for equity, fairness, and justice.
The group stressed the importance of impartiality in the legal proceedings, urging the coroner to recuse himself if any personal biases could affect the case’s integrity.
Janolewsky stated, “Silence in the face of injustice is a perversion of justice, and everyone is equal before the law. If the case of Mohbad is appropriately adjudicated, it will serve as a judicial milestone and a deterrent to society.”
The group also raised objections to the coroner’s conduct during witness testimonies.
“We noticed that when one of the witnesses by the name of Spending was about to narrate the incident that transpired on the 3rd Mainland Bridge between the deceased and Wunmi Cynthia Adebanjo, the live-in partner of the deceased, you interjected and told him to calm down.
“This singular action made him lose his train of thought and further intimidated and suppressed his already low self-esteem and confidence, leading to an increased anxiety level, as evidenced in the ensuing panic attack. These are cardinal signs and symptoms of panic attacks under this circumstance,” the statement read.
The group urged the court to allow all witnesses to testify freely without fear or intimidation.
News About Nigeria reported that Mohbad, aged 27, passed away on September 12, 2023, in Lagos State, prompting an investigation by the Lagos State Police Command.
His remains were subsequently exhumed for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
