By Silvia Oribhabor
Some fans in Effurun and Warri areas of Delta State on Thursday joined thousands to marched across Nigeria, over the last week mysterious death of an Afrobeat star, late Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as MohBad, whose body has been exhumed for an autopsy as authorities investigate the cause of his demise.
Lagos police said the body of the MohBad was exhumed on Thursday afternoon in response to complaints about the unclear circumstances surrounding his death.
Aloba, widely known as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising young pop stars, after he gained fame through hit songs like “Ponmo,” “Feel Good,” and “KPK (Ko Por Ke)” with Rexxie, died last week in a Lagos hospital at the age of 27 after being admitted for an unknown illness.
Young Nigerians on Tuesday took to the streets in Lagos to demand justice for Aloba, but the protests swelled across the country amid an outpouring of grief – and questions about what caused his death.
PHOTO STORY: Youths, entertainers ground Warri, demand justice for Mohbad
However, a protest organized by his devoted fans in Warri and Effurun aimed to seek justice for MohBad, as they believe his passing was not due to natural causes but involved injustice.
The rally, powered by “Warri Entertainers,” kicked off at the Awenayeri Filling Station by Bendel Estate junction, along Airport road in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, before marching to other parts of the Warri metropolis just as they played some tracks of the musical records of the deceased musician.
They also displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Justice for Mohbad”; “Say No to Marlians”; “You don’t have to kill somebody before you sing”; “Mohbad: Who off the light” and “Warri says Justice for Mohbad” etc.
The protest led to traffic disruptions along Airport Road, as the protesters demanded that those responsible for MohBad’s death be held accountable and face legal consequences.
Chukwudi Flaks, also known as Warri 2pac told GbaramatuVoice that “he was killed, and we want justice because how would someone go and take injections, and the next thing he collapses.”
While another protester identified as Lizberg stated that “It really pained us all. That’s why we are outside. The humiliation. The fact he wasn’t at peace even when he was shooting music videos, and people would come and beat him to the extent he was crying out. But most people didn’t take him seriously. After his death, everything is tracing back to those situations.”
“Dollar Girl” emphasized, “We are here for justice. The persons that gave him the injection should be arrested and taken for questioning. The person who confirmed him dead also. The way they rushed him to bury him, we feel there is something fishy going on. For his wife, I’m sure she is speechless, but when you come out to talk, a lot would happen. They should also please take care of the baby.”
DJ Ratata added, “The protest is about Warri industry of entertainers. A lot of entertainers are outside, and we don’t like what happened because it is oppression. It is obvious he was killed. We want the government to look into this issue. JUSTICE FOR MOHBAD.”
The protesters marched along Estate Okera Road as MohBad’s substantial fan base, particularly active in Warri, demonstrated unwavering determination to seek justice for their beloved artist.
GbaramatuVoice observed that the protest held on Thursday, September 21, 2023, brought together fans and members of the entertainment industry in their relentless pursuit of justice for MohBad.
The mysterious circumstances surrounding his untimely demise have ignited a fervent demand for answers and accountability within the music community and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Candlelight Vigil was later held at Okumagba Estate Roundabout, where attendees gather to honour MohBad’s memory and continue their call for justice.
The solemn event aims to provide a space for reflection and solidarity as the quest for truth and accountability regarding MohBad’s passing remains at the forefront of their efforts.
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