Joseph Aloba, the father of the deceased artist, has initiated legal proceedings requesting a DNA test for his grandson. The legal team representing Joseph has filed an application seeking permission to serve Mrs. Aloba by sending all relevant legal documents to her last known address. However, the family’s legal representatives, led by Emmanuel Oroko, reported difficulties in serving Mrs. Aloba.
During a court session on July 9, 2024, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, the Magistrates Court encouraged both parties to pursue alternative dispute resolution, which ultimately did not result in a consensus.
In a statement released on Sunday, Monisola Odumosu, a spokesperson for the family’s legal team, confirmed that Wunmi has agreed to proceed with the DNA test. This agreement was part of the settlement terms negotiated by both parties.
Odumosu noted that Emmanuel Oroko informed the court of the out-of-court settlement, which was acknowledged by Kabir Akingbolu, Esq., who is representing Wunmi. The court subsequently adopted the settlement terms as its official judgment.
According to Odumosu, Wunmi has consented to have the DNA test conducted at a recognized and accredited medical facility, either within Lagos State or at another mutually agreed location outside the state. Additionally, it was mentioned that Mohbad’s father has agreed to cover the costs associated with the testing and related expenses.
“In the terms filed before the court, the respondent, Wunmi Aloba, consented to submit herself and her son, (Master Liam Aloba), for the conduct of a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) at Two (2) recognised and accredited government or private medical facilities within Lagos State or other agreeable hospital outside Lagos State. In turn, the applicant, Mr. Joseph Aloba, agreed to bear the cost of the DNA test processes, including the fees for the testing facility, the collection of samples, and any associated legal or administrative fees.
“The court further ordered that the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test be conducted at a mutually agreed-upon laboratory or medical centre within Nigeria. To ensure and ascertain the reliability of the test, the court further appointed some officers to supervise the process of the DNA test,” the statement read.
The court has mandated that each party involved in the case will be responsible for their own legal costs, with the exception of the expenses related to the DNA tests, which the applicant has agreed to cover.
Mohbad passed away at the age of 27, and the circumstances surrounding his death have ignited significant debate on social media. A former artist under Marlian Music, which is owned by Naira Marley, Mohbad departed from the label in February 2022. In response to his death, the Lagos State Police Command established a 13-member special investigation team on September 18, 2023, to examine the circumstances of the singer's passing.
His death prompted the arrest of Naira Marley and the controversial Lagos socialite Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, among others. On September 21, 2023, Mohbad's body was exhumed for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Additionally, observers from various countries have expressed concerns regarding the coroner’s inquest into Mohbad’s death, alleging unfair proceedings and possible evidence suppression. In a statement released on Sunday, the group emphasized their commitment to truth, fairness, equity, and accountability, while monitoring the court sessions in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.
These observers voiced their concerns about the frequent adjournments of the proceedings and other elements they believe jeopardize justice for Mohbad. During the cross-examination of Mohbad’s widow, Omowunmi Adebanjo, they claimed that legal representatives were repeatedly interrupted, hindering their ability to obtain crucial information.