A group of Nigerians in diaspora have reiterated their firm commitment to ensuring justice prevails in the investigation of the circumstances surrounding the passing of popular artist Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

In a statement released on Saturday by the group under the aegis of International Observers in the Pursuit of Justice for Ilerioluwa Olafimeji Aloba, chairperson, Victoria Janolewsky, expressed concerns over the handling of witnesses in the ongoing inquest led by Coroner Magistrate T.A. Shotobi of the Ikorodu division.

“However, we express concerns and make inquiries pertinent to the dispensing of justice in the case of Mohbad,” Ms Janolewsky wrote. “We are fully aware that the Coroner inquest was set up by the government to unravel the mysterious death of MOHBAD and the main objective is to find the facts and transmit your report to appropriate courts for further investigations and prosecution.”

“We noticed that when one of the witnesses by the name Spending was about to narrate the incident that transpired on the 3rd Mainland Bridge between the deceased and Wunmi Cynthia Adebanjo (CY), the live-in partner of the deceased, your honour, you interjected and told him to calm down, this singular action made him lose his train of thought and further intimidated and suppressed his already low self-esteem and confidence, leading to increased anxiety level, as evidenced in the ensuing panic attack. These are cardinal signs and symptoms of panic attack under this circumstance.

“Please, your honour, take note of these medical and clinical evidence-based responses to panic attacks moving forward, as these may have affected the integrity of his witness testimony.

“In the interest of Justice, we implore you that every witness should be called and allowed to tell their side of the truth freely without any fear or intimidation of any sorts and the witnesses should be protected and high security provided to ensure their lives are saved under the Witness Protection Act. One life lost, too many,” the statement read.

The demise of Mohbad on September 12, 2023, sparked global outcry, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The international observers, in their pursuit of justice, have closely monitored the proceedings through conventional media and their representative at the inquest.

“It is imperative that equity, fairness, and justice prevail in this matter,” emphasised Ms Janolewsky. “Silence in the face of injustice is a perversion of justice, and we stand firm in our belief that everyone is equal before the law.”

Highlighting the importance of fair adjudication, the group stressed the need for transparency and full disclosure, particularly regarding witness testimonies and the protection of witnesses under the Witness Protection Act.

“If the case of MOHBAD is appropriately adjudicated,” the statement further read “it will serve as a judicial milestone and a resounding deterrent to the society which will set a new precedence to the community at large, emphasising the sanctity and dignity of the human life. The federal republic of Nigeria is by far a country of Law and Order to the highest degree, whose pristine standards should not be dented by any persons or personalities.”