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The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly invited Wunmi Aloba, widow of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba (popularly known as Mohbad), for questioning as part of its renewed investigation into his death, with another suspect said to have been detained and taken to Abuja for further interrogation.
Wunmi Aloba, the late singer’s widow, was said to have appeared before officers of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja last week following a petition by the United Advocates Group (UAG), a coalition of human rights activists.
The group had earlier petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressing concern over what it described as irregularities in the initial investigation by the Lagos State Police Command.
According to a police memo numbered CB/7000/IGP.SEC/ABJ/Vol.740/195, dated August 15, 2024, and signed by DCP Asuquo Effiong, psc, the IGP directed the legal section of the Force to review the matter raised in the petition.
In a statement signed by Barr. Oluwatosin Adefajo, the UAG commended the IGP and senior police officers for what it called their “responsiveness to public petitions” concerning the controversial circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
The group confirmed that one of the suspects, Ayobami Sodiq (alias Spending), had been taken into custody and flown to Abuja. It also urged other persons of interest in the case to come forward voluntarily.
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, shortly after a performance in Ikorodu, and was buried the following day. Following nationwide outcry, the Lagos State Government ordered the exhumation of his remains for an autopsy and toxicological analysis, though the results were said to be inconclusive.
The United Advocates Group said it was dissatisfied with the initial investigations carried out by the Lagos State authorities and the FCID Panti, which it described as inconclusive. In pursuit of transparency, members of the group visited the Force Headquarters in Abuja on August 10, 2024, where they submitted a five-page petition to the IGP calling for a fresh and comprehensive probe.
Their petition added to one earlier submitted by the late singer’s father through his then legal representative, Barrister Taiwo Odumosu. The group said it became more active in the case after the father’s counsel was disengaged over internal disagreements.
Since August 2024, the group said it has maintained regular communication with the IGP’s office, filing follow-up petitions and providing updates to aid investigation.
It recounted in its statement that interactions with the Force Public Relations Office and the Legal Unit led to an internal review and positive recommendation to the IGP. However, it alleged that officers at FCID Panti and the Lagos Command had not provided certified copies of earlier reports or offered sufficient feedback. To support its claims, the group said it retrieved a public statement issued by then Lagos Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, from the National Library.
The UAG expressed satisfaction with the findings later presented by the Force PRO to the IGP, saying the internal review reinforced the need for a fresh inquiry.
In March 2025, the group said it submitted additional petitions acknowledged by the police, who requested more evidence. Between April and May 2025, it engaged private investigators and legal consultants to gather new information, which reportedly led to the IGP’s approval of a renewed investigation in April 2025.
The group commended the professionalism of the police team that handled the three-week exercise, which it said led to the identification and detention of new suspects. It pledged continued cooperation with the Force to ensure justice is served.
Reaffirming its commitment to the cause, the UAG expressed deep appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP, and all officers involved in the case for their professionalism and dedication.
The campaign, according to the group, was coordinated by Engr. Moses (The Bossman One With God), Lady Rhines, and Barr. Leke Odugbesan, with support from donors and legal advisers who contributed to the pursuit of justice for Ilerioluwa Promise Aloba.