Funmi Falana, the legal representative for the late singer Mohbad, remains confident that justice will prevail in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the artist’s death. Falana, a human rights activist and founder of Women Empowerment and Legal Aids, emphasized that the coroner’s inquest would diligently seek the truth behind Mohbad’s passing.
During an interview with Saturday Beats, she stated, “The sitting today was just a preliminary one to discuss the modalities and procedure, as well as how to go about it. It is just a corona’s inquest, and not a formal court hearing. The expectation is that justice will be served. We would get to the root of the cause of Mohbad’s death. That is the reason we are there, and we are fully confident that we would get justice.”
The inquest has scheduled October 13, 2023, for witnesses to appear in the case. However, journalists were denied access to the proceedings, reportedly under the orders of Chief Magistrate Tajudeen Elias. Falana explained that the identities of the witnesses could not be disclosed until their appearances in court.
Additionally, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, confirmed the arrest of Sam Larry, one of the individuals wanted for questioning in connection with Mohbad’s death. He stated, “Balogun Eletu, aka Sam Larry, is now in our custody. He is currently assisting with ongoing investigation.”
Videos circulating online showed Sam Larry harassing and assaulting Mohbad on multiple occasions. Hundeyin mentioned that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, would provide updates on the case.
Naira Marley, Mohbad’s former record label boss, expressed his willingness to return to Nigeria and cooperate with the police’s investigation, provided his safety was guaranteed. In an Instagram live session with Reno Omokri, Naira Marley said, “I am one hundred percent ready to come for the investigation if they can guarantee my safety. There are a lot of angry mobs that have been poisoned by the media.”