The Lagos State Coroner’s Court sitting in Ikorodu has directed the prosecution of Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who allegedly gave the injection that led to the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Magistrate C.A. Shotobi held that Ogedengbe was not qualified to administer the injection. According to the court, she was neither a registered nurse nor a licensed medical practitioner at the time she treated the late singer.
The coroner said Ogedengbe acted outside the bounds of the law when she administered a tetanus injection to Mohbad. The injection, according to testimonies presented during the inquest, allegedly caused serious complications that eventually led to the 27-year-old artist’s death on September 12, 2023.
Magistrate Shotobi described the nurse’s actions as both “unlawful and reckless,” stating that her lack of professional certification made her medical conduct illegal.
Health sector oversight questioned
In her ruling, the coroner expressed concern about the growing number of unqualified individuals operating in the Nigerian healthcare system. She warned that poor regulation in the health sector was creating loopholes that put lives at risk.
“It is worrisome that people without proper training and licenses can present themselves as healthcare providers,” Magistrate Shotobi said. “This must not continue.”
She stressed the need for stricter enforcement of professional standards and urged relevant government agencies to take urgent steps to monitor and regulate health practices across the state.
Police inaction under scrutiny
In a related development, the court also ordered an official investigation into the alleged inaction of the Nigeria Police Force. The coroner pointed out that Mohbad had submitted a formal petition to the police before his death, citing threats to his life and raising serious concerns about his safety.
However, the police reportedly failed to act on the petition or investigate his complaints.
Magistrate Shotobi called on the appropriate authorities to look into the police’s response and determine whether there was negligence or deliberate inaction.
She stated that understanding the police’s failure to respond could help prevent similar cases in the future.
“The failure of law enforcement to act on time has become a dangerous trend,” she said. “This must be addressed to restore public confidence in the system.”
Background to Mohbad’s case
Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Music, passed away under controversial circumstances, triggering public outrage and widespread calls for justice.
His sudden death raised numerous questions, with fans, civil rights groups, and fellow artists demanding a thorough investigation. Many accused his former record label of bullying and harassment, which allegedly affected his mental and physical health.
Following his death, videos surfaced online showing Mohbad looking visibly distressed in the days leading up to his passing. In one video, the late singer could be seen seeking medical attention, which reportedly included the fatal injection administered by Ogedengbe.
Calls for justice grow louder
The coroner’s ruling is the latest development in a case that has captured national attention. Legal experts and human rights advocates have praised the court’s decision, describing it as a step toward accountability and justice.
They argue that prosecuting unlicensed medical workers sends a strong message and will deter others from endangering lives through illegal medical practices.
Meanwhile, calls have continued for the government to take firm action against all individuals and institutions whose negligence may have contributed to Mohbad’s death.
Next steps
Following the coroner’s directive, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions is expected to file charges against Ogedengbe.
The outcome of the investigation into the police’s conduct will also be closely watched by the public and stakeholders in the justice sector.
As the case progresses, many Nigerians hope that Mohbad’s tragic death will spark meaningful reforms in both the healthcare and law enforcement sectors.
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