In an ongoing saga surrounding the death of Nigerian music star Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, the late singer’s close associate Ayobami Sodiq, also known as Spending, has voiced alarm over alleged plans to prosecute him prematurely. Spending’s legal representative, Bonajo Badejo & Co, through lawyer Stephen Ehinmowo, issued a statement on Tuesday challenging the reported decision of the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to proceed with criminal charges despite an ongoing coroner’s inquest.
Ehinmowo expressed concern that any prosecutorial action taken prior to the completion of the inquest would be “a travesty.” He stated that Spending has cooperated fully with the inquest initiated by the Lagos State Government on September 26, 2023, to determine the cause of Mohbad’s death. “Mr. Ayobami Sodiq attended and presented clear evidence,” he emphasized, adding that Sodiq’s testimony held up under extensive cross-examination and “is sufficient to exonerate him from any liability for the unfortunate demise of Mohbad.”
The attorney highlighted the necessity of finalizing the coroner’s findings before any prosecution could be ethically justified. “Deciding to prosecute based on incomplete facts and evidence is premature and unjustified. This not only risks unfair charges but also undermines the integrity of the legal system,” the statement read. Ehinmowo cautioned that rushing into prosecution would not only jeopardize the accuracy of legal proceedings but could “damage public trust in the justice system.”
The statement from Spending’s legal team urged the DPP to pause any moves toward prosecution until the coroner’s findings are published. “To ensure fairness and prevent miscarriage of justice, it is essential to allow the Coroner’s inquest to be completed and its findings considered before the DPP would initiate any criminal charges,” Ehinmowo noted, underscoring the need for a transparent and unbiased approach.
The legal team’s plea underscores a broader call for trust and integrity in legal proceedings, emphasizing that the inquest should be allowed to run its course without interference to ensure a fair and conclusive outcome.
