MohBad: Lagos confirms receipt of US toxicology report

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), has announced the completion of the toxicology report and forensic analysis concerning the late singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad.

The findings, conducted in the United States, are now with the Lagos State Pathologist and the coroner magistrate.

Pedro shared this update during a press conference on Monday held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja.

He addressed inquiries from journalists regarding his upcoming one-year anniversary in office and an upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting.

Acknowledging the delays in the investigation surrounding Mohbad’s case, he attributed the setbacks to the extensive time needed for a thorough investigation, which includes forensic analysis and toxicology testing.

“Yes, I recognize the delays, which stem from the time taken for the investigation. Comprehensive investigations are crucial for building a solid case that can lead to convictions in court,” he stated.

He further explained that the forensic examinations had to be conducted overseas due to the destruction of the Lagos DNA and Forensic Centre during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020.

In addition to discussing the Mohbad case, the Attorney General provided updates on other criminal matters, including the case of Otike-Odibi, a female lawyer charged with murdering her husband and dismembering his body.

Pedro noted that this case faced delays because case files were lost when the Igbosere High Court was set ablaze during the protests. However, it has now been reassigned to a new judge following the retirement of the previous one.

Pedro emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring that no legal case extends beyond 24 months in court.

“We are committed to preventing cases from dragging on for years,” he asserted. To facilitate this, a bill for the enactment of the Administration of Civil Justice Law has been forwarded to the Lagos State House of Assembly. If approved, this law will mandate the resolution of civil cases within 18 to 24 months, while tenancy disputes will be settled within three to six months.

“This initiative aims to prevent situations where tenants owe their landlords for extended periods or landlords unjustly evict tenants during ongoing legal matters. Notices will be issued, but we will not permit either party to use legal processes as a means of oppression,” Pedro explained.

He also announced reforms to expedite criminal justice proceedings, including the launch of a Lagos State Criminal Information System that will catalog biometric data and case details for all inmates in the state’s correctional facilities.

Another notable reform is the proposal for a Lis Pendens Registry, designed to inform the public about land disputes currently in litigation. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of buyers inadvertently purchasing properties involved in legal conflicts, thereby enhancing trust in real estate transactions across Lagos.

Additionally, Pedro revealed plans for a Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry, which will enable Lagos residents to officially register customary marriages and obtain certificates for marriage dissolution.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has also approved funding for the completion of the JIC Taylor Magistrate Court House at Igbosere, along with provisions for official residences for 34 magistrates, Pedro noted.

Concluding the press conference, the Attorney General announced a two-day strategic stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

“This gathering is a direct response to insights gained from the Lagos Justice Summit held in May. It aims to foster cooperation among key stakeholders in the justice system, ensuring that justice becomes a tangible reality for all Lagos residents,” he said.

The meeting will focus on improving service delivery in land administration, physical planning, and environmental management through enhanced inter-agency collaboration.