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Lagos receives US toxicology report on Mohbad

By Guardian Nigeria

22 October 2024   |   9:00 am

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Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced on Monday that the toxicology report and other forensic analyses conducted in the United States on the late singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, have been received. Pedro disclosed that the autopsy report is now with both the Lagos State pathologist…

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced on Monday that the toxicology report and other forensic analyses conducted in the United States on the late singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, have been received.

Pedro disclosed that the autopsy report is now with both the Lagos State pathologist and the coroner magistrate. He made this known at a press conference held in the Ministry of Justice Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja, the state capital, while addressing journalists on his upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting and the commemoration of his first year in office.

“On the Mohbad case, I agree that there has been a delay. The delay is due to the time required for a thorough investigation,” Pedro explained. “Forensic analysis, toxicology—these are all essential components of the investigation to ensure a solid case that can lead to a conviction in court.”

READ ALSO: Yomi Fabiyi plans protest over Mohbad’s death

He further noted that the forensic examination had to be outsourced to the U.S. because the Lagos DNA and Forensic Centre was destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020.

Pedro also commented on other legal matters, including the case of Otike-Odibi, a female lawyer who killed her husband, Symphorosa Otike-Odibi, and mutilated his body.

He revealed that the delay in the trial was due to case files being destroyed when the Igbosere High Court was set ablaze during the #EndSARS protests. The case has now been reassigned to Justice Sherifat Sonaike following the retirement of the previous judge, Justice Adedayo Akintoye.

To improve the efficiency of the justice system, Pedro said no case would be allowed to exceed 24 months in court.

READ ALSO: Mohbad: Risking your conscience for wealth not worth it, says Opeyemi Aiyeola

He highlighted a bill for the Administration of Civil Justice Law, currently before the state House of Assembly, which seeks to limit trial durations to 18-24 months and tenancy disputes to 3-6 months.

“The idea is to ensure that no tenant owes his landlord or the landlord is ejecting his tenant when a matter is before the court. Notices would be given but we would not allow it to be used as an instrument of oppression by either the tenant or landlord,” he said.

The Attorney General said that delays in the Department of Public Prosecution’s legal advice and prosecution processes had been addressed. Also, the Lagos State Criminal Information System has been introduced to capture photographs and biometrics of all inmates across correctional facilities in the state.

Pedro also said that a bill for the establishment of a Lis Pendens Registry, which will document land disputes under litigation to prevent the sale of disputed properties to unsuspecting buyers. Another proposed bill will create a Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry to issue certificates for customary marriages and their dissolution.

In further developments, Pedro confirmed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved funding to complete and furnish the JIC Taylor Magistrate Court House in Igbosere, alongside the payment for 34 flats to house magistrates.

Pedro announced a strategic stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration and improving law enforcement across the state.

“This gathering is a direct response to the insights gained from the Lagos Justice Summit held in May, where key stakeholders identified the need for enhanced cooperation and coordination within the justice system,” he explained. “One of the summit’s primary recommendations was to convene this strategic meeting to elevate the standards of justice and ensure that justice is not merely an ideal but a tangible reality for all residents of Lagos State.

“The meeting will provide a critical platform for engaging with various stakeholders towards harmonising MDA operations to improve service delivery and reduce government liability exposure in land administration, physical planning and environmental management.”

The Attorney General reiterated the government’s commitment to elevating the standards of justice in Lagos, ensuring that justice becomes a tangible reality for all residents.