Mohbad: Court To Decide Suit Compelling Police To Reopen Investigation

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, 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 Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Naija News understands that the suit was filed by Break the Silence Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.

At the proceedings, none of the respondents was represented in court when the matter was called.

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

The court had earlier granted the plaintiff 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.

During the proceedings, the court also heard an application filed 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 truth, transparency, accountability and justice regarding the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

He also said he wished to place relevant facts before the court.

However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, holding that Obaboye failed to establish sufficient legal interest in the case to justify his joinder.

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

He argued that several critical aspects of the case and possible leads were not adequately explored.

According to him, the organisation was particularly concerned about individuals who were reportedly among the last people seen with the late singer, insisting that their roles should be further investigated.

“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.”

Falola described the case as a mandamus proceeding aimed at compelling the police to revisit the investigation into the cause of Mohbad’s death.

Commenting on the dismissed joinder application, Falola said the applicant failed to show that he had a direct legal interest in the matter.

He argued that Obaboye did not establish that he was a police officer, a party to the suit or someone directly connected to the proceedings.

Falola added that allowing every Nigerian to join the case without proving legal interest would amount to an abuse of court process.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, a development that triggered public outrage and widespread calls for justice.

The singer was buried the following day, but his body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Nearly three years after his passing, controversy continues to trail the circumstances surrounding his death, delaying the final interment of his remains.

His father, Joseph Aloba, has repeatedly called for justice and clarity over the circumstances of his son’s death.