An autopsy conducted on the body of the late singer Mohbad at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has suggested that a drug reaction might be a possible cause of his death. However, the exact cause remains undetermined due to significant decomposition and limitations in the post-mortem findings.
According to TheCable Lifestyle, the autopsy report indicates that while no definitive cause of death could be ascertained, there is a possibility of a drug reaction based on the available post-mortem and toxicology findings. Samples from Mohbad's gastric content, blood, bone marrow, liver, kidney, and lung were retrieved for a toxicology test.
The anatomical and pathological examination revealed an injury on Mohbad's right forearm, and his body showed moderate to severe decomposition. Despite these findings, the autopsy reported "no significant gross finding" that could directly attribute to his death.
The toxicology results indicated the presence of Diphenhydramine, an anti-histamine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms, stomach problems, colds, and anxiety. However, the concentration of this drug was not within a fatal or lethal range.
The report also noted that the body had neither undergone an autopsy nor embalming before burial on the second day. This situation complicated the determination of the cause of death as critical blood samples could not be taken promptly. The body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, eight days after burial, which further affected the accuracy of the findings due to the decomposition of organs.
“Unfortunately, this was prevented or made impossible by the burial of the deceased on the second day. In the light of the foregoing, cause of death could not be ascertained. However, the possibility of a fatal anaphylactic shock (drug reaction) could be considered in view of the absence of any significant post-mortem and toxicology findings,” the report stated.
Earlier, during a coroner’s inquest, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Wahab Shittu relayed the pathologist's submission that the decomposition of Mohbad's body had impeded the determination of the exact cause of death. The pathologist suggested that a reaction to drugs administered before his death might have been a factor, but this could not be conclusively proven.
On March 20, Richard Somiari, Director of the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, stated that the toxicology results would be ready within three to four weeks. Somiari testified that the forensic team searched for multiple possibilities, including poisoning, and assured the public of the security and proper handling of samples.
Mohbad, who died at the age of 27 on September 12, 2023, was a former signee of Marlian Music, owned by Naira Marley. His death sparked widespread controversy and led to the Lagos State Police Command forming a special 13-man investigation team to probe the incident. This investigation resulted in the arrest of Naira Marley and controversial Lagos socialite Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, among others.
