Court fixes Sept. 29 for judgment in suit seeking fresh probe into Mohbad’s death

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 29, 2026, for judgment in a suit seeking to compel the Inspector-General of Police to reopen investigations into the death of late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho scheduled the judgment date on Thursday after hearing arguments in the case filed by Break the Silence Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, lists the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, as respondents.

At the hearing, none of the respondents was represented in court.

Counsel for the foundation, Tunde Falola, adopted all processes filed on behalf of the plaintiff and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.

The court also considered an application by one Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined in the suit as an interested party.

Obaboye told the court that he supported calls for transparency, accountability, and justice regarding the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and wished to present relevant facts before the court.

However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that the applicant failed to establish sufficient legal interest in the matter to justify his inclusion in the proceedings.

The court had earlier granted the foundation leave to commence the action through an ex parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus compelling the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the singer’s death.

Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Falola said the organisation approached the court because it was dissatisfied with the outcome of the previous police investigation.

According to him, several critical aspects of the case and potential leads were not adequately explored by investigators.

He stated that the foundation remained concerned about individuals reportedly among the last people seen with the singer before his death, insisting that their roles deserved further scrutiny.

“The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention,” Falola said.

“As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation.”

He described the case as a mandamus proceeding aimed at compelling the police to revisit the investigation and determine the true cause of Mohbad’s death.

Commenting on the failed joinder application, Falola argued that the applicant did not demonstrate any direct legal interest in the matter.

“You must show the court your interest in the matter. The applicant did not establish that he is a police officer, a party to the suit, or someone directly connected with the proceedings.

“If every Nigerian were allowed to join the matter without demonstrating a legal interest, it would amount to an abuse of court process,” he said.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, sparking nationwide outrage and widespread calls for justice.

His body was exhumed nine days later for an autopsy, but controversy surrounding the circumstances of his death has persisted. The unresolved questions have also delayed his burial, with his remains still in official custody.

In February 2025, a Magistrate Court sitting in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, discharged and acquitted singer Naira Marley, music promoter Sam Larry and others after legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions found no evidence linking them to Mohbad’s death.