Ensure fairness, group urges Lagos coroner

A human rights group, International Observers in the Pursuant of Justice, has called on the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, Adedayo Shotobi, not to be biased in the ongoing inquest into the death of late singer, Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

In a statement on Sunday by its chairperson, Victoria Janolewsky, the group raised concerns over how Mohbad’s case is being handled.

It further called for equity, fairness, and justice in the matter.

The group told the coroner, “If by any slightest chance, you can no longer preside over this case due to personal reasons or biases, respectfully and gracefully recuse yourself.

“We, the international observers, will implore your honourable magistrate to allow equity, fairness and justice to prevail in this matter, knowing that silence in the face of injustice is a perversion of justice as everyone is equal before the law and all are under the rule of law.

“If the case of Mohbad is appropriately adjudicated, it will serve as a judicial milestone and a resounding deterrent to the society which will set a new precedence for the community at large, emphasizing the sanctity and dignity of human life.”

The group added, “The Federal Republic of Nigeria is by far a country of law and order to the highest degree, whose pristine standards should not be dented by any persons or personalities.

“We noticed that when one of the witnesses by the name of Spending was about to narrate the incident that transpired on the 3rd Mainland Bridge between the deceased and Wunmi Cynthia Adebanjo, the live-in partner of the deceased, you interjected and told him to calm down.

“This singular action made him lose his train of thought and further intimidated and suppressed his already low self-esteem and confidence, leading to increased anxiety level, as evidenced in the ensuing panic attack. These are cardinal signs and symptoms of panic attack under this circumstance.”

In the interest of justice, the group said every witness should be called and allowed to tell their side of the truth freely without any fear or intimidation.

It added that such witnesses should be protected and high security provided to ensure their lives are safe under the Witness Protection Act.