Ayobami Sodiq, aka Spending, who is an ally of the late music star, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, has raised the alarm over alleged plots to prosecute him over the singer’s death.
Spending’s legal counsel, Bonajo Badejo & Co, represented by Stephen Ehinmowo, in a statement on Tuesday and obtained by PUNCH Metro, raised concerns regarding a media publication that the Department of Public Prosecutions had decided to proceed with his prosecution over the death of Mohbad.
According to Ehinmowo, the decision to prosecute him while the coroner’s inquest is ongoing will amount to a travesty.
He stated that the evidence presented by Sodiq at the inquest was sufficient to exonerate him from any liability for the unfortunate demise of Mohbad.
The statement read, “On 26th September 2023, the Lagos State Government, through the office of the Chief Coroner, initiated a Coroner’s inquest into the sudden death of Ilerioluwa Imoleayo (A.K.A. Mohbad), in line with Section 14 and 15 of the Coroner System Laws of Lagos State. During the inquest, Mr. Ayobami Sodiq attended and presented clear evidence and he was equally cross-examined extensively without loss of credibility. The evidence presented so far at the inquest is sufficient to exonerate him from any liability for the unfortunate demise of Mohbad.
“The findings of the coroner’s inquest are very crucial in determining the cause of death, which will aid in deciding any subsequent legal proceedings. Deciding to prosecute based on incomplete facts and evidence is premature and unjustified. This not only risks unfair charges but also undermines the integrity of the legal system. While the desire for swift justice is understandable, rushing to prosecute before the inquest concludes would undermine the fairness of the process. Premature prosecution could result in wrongful charges or conflicting conclusions, potentially damaging public trust in the justice system.”
Spending’s lawyer emphasised the importance of completing the inquest to determine the cause of death and ensure fairness.
“To ensure fairness and prevent miscarriage of justice, it is essential to allow the Coroner’s inquest to be completed and its findings considered before the DPP would initiate any criminal charges. It is only fair that the state government that initiated the Inquest should allow the process to run its course to a conclusion in a transparent manner, in a way that helps build trust in the legal system and ensures that the investigation is fair, free from bias, and without any appearance of witch-hunt,” the statement added.
The solicitor also urged the Director of Public Prosecutions to reconsider its decision to ignore the pending inquest and proceed with prosecution at this stage.
