Interview with Taiwo Odumosu, Head of the Aloba Family Legal Team
Dayo Oyewo: It’s been a year since the investigation into MohBad’s death began. Can you provide an update on the status of the probe?
Taiwo Odumosu: We are approaching the issue from different angles. The second autopsy and toxicology test are being conducted as directed by the court. We hope this will shed more light on the circumstances leading to MohBad’s death. The specimen has been taken abroad by forensic experts for the toxicology examination. We avoided the USA altogether due to the controversy surrounding the first autopsy.
Dayo Oyewo: How has the independent autopsy by the family fared?
Taiwo Odumosu: Getting pathologists to attend to the matter was challenging. We consulted several pathologists, but they declined due to the controversy surrounding the first autopsy. We eventually found experts willing to help us. We don’t want anybody to compromise the process, so we decided to look elsewhere to do what we wanted.
Dayo Oyewo: What are the key challenges the legal team has faced in seeking justice for MohBad’s family?
Taiwo Odumosu: The biggest challenge we have faced is from the Nigerian Police. They have refused to cooperate with us on certain levels, and their investigation has been shoddy and unprofessional. They didn’t acknowledge nor release the documents to the forensic pathologists, despite our reminders.
Dayo Oyewo: How has the investigation’s progress impacted the family’s decision to lay MohBad to rest?
Taiwo Odumosu: The investigation has been slow, and the bulk of the burden rests with the police. The family will decide when to bury MohBad, but we need to ensure that justice is served first. The decision to bury him rests solely with the Aloba family.
Dayo Oyewo: What are the family’s primary concerns regarding the investigation and its outcome?
Taiwo Odumosu: The primary concern is to get justice. We want to ensure that those responsible for MohBad’s death are held accountable. We also want to know the exact time of his death, as the facts presented so far seem to cast doubts on the exact time frame.
Dayo Oyewo: What does the legal team believe is necessary for justice to be served in this case?
Taiwo Odumosu: We need a thorough and professional investigation. All those present in the house when the incident happened should be interrogated, and the police should be held accountable for their compromised investigation. We also need the results of the toxicology test, autopsy, and DNA test to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding MohBad’s death.
Dayo Oyewo: What are the next steps in the legal process?
Taiwo Odumosu: We are expecting the results of the toxicology test and autopsy. We are also looking forward to the DNA test results, which may reveal crucial information. We will continue to pursue justice through the legal system and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Dayo Oyewo: How will the legal team ensure the family receives closure and justice?
Taiwo Odumosu: We have petitioned the necessary quarters regarding the police’s handling of the matter. We expect new investigators to be drafted in to reopen the investigation. We are getting closer to justice as facts come to light. We will not hesitate to pursue further action if the witnesses summoned to appear before the Coroner’s Court refuse to attend.
