By Abu Faisal

LAGOS, Nigeria — A coroner’s inquest into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, has revealed a complex web of strained familial relationships and potential foul play.

The inquest, which began on Oct. 13, is taking place at the Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.

Mohbad passed away under controversial circumstances on Sept. 12 and was buried the following day. He was 27 at the time of his death. The Lagos State Government had directed a coroner’s inquest into the death due to the controversies surrounding it.

Testifying on Wednesday, Mohbad’s mother, Abosede Aloba, told the court that her relationship with her son was not cordial for a long time because Mohbad’s father, Joseph, had taken him away and instructed him not to contact her. Their relationship, however, improved from 2019, she said.

Mrs. Aloba also testified that she and Joseph had questioned another singer, Azeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, about a dispute he was having with Mohbad. She claimed Marley was the only person Mohbad had issues with and alleged that he had physically injured Mohbad.

Sultan Ayobami, Mohbad’s disk jockey, testified that he had witnessed the decedent being bullied twice, once at a club on Lagos Island and again during a film shooting. He also said that Mohbad had sustained injuries during an altercation with Marley.

Mohbad’s father, Joseph, testified that his son had been living with Marley since December 2019 but did not know the exact location. According to him, the deceased had left his house at the age of consent to pursue a career in music and assist Marley.

The inquest also heard testimony that Mohbad’s wife had been unfaithful and may have put sleeping pills into his food. Joseph also claimed that Mohbad’s landed property was in the possession of his mother-in-law.

At the beginning of proceedings, the coroner, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, promised justice would be served in the case. The Yaba Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State, had earlier remanded Marley and a Lagos socialite, Balogun Eletu, known as Sam Larry, in police custody over the death of Mohbad.

The inquest continues as the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death remain shrouded in controversy.