International Observers in the Pursuant of Justice, a human rights organisation, has urged Lagos State Chief Coroner Adedayo Shotobi not to be biassed in the ongoing inquest into the death of late musician Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its chairperson, Victoria Janolewsky, the group expressed worries about how Mohbad’s case is being handled.
It also advocated 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 spirit of justice, the organisation stated that every witness should be called and given the opportunity to tell their side of the story freely and without fear or intimidation.
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It went on to say that such witnesses should be safeguarded and given adequate security under the Witness Protection Act.
Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, in Lagos State.
