Court to rule on new police investigation into Mohbad’s death

The Federal High Court in Abuja set a judgment date of September 29 for a new suit that seeks to compel police to reopen the investigation into the death of musician Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho scheduled the hearing after hearing arguments from the applicant’s counsel, Chief Tunde Falola.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Inspector‑General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command—named as the first through third respondents—did not appear in court.

The suit, filed by the NGO Registered Trustees of the Break the Silence Foundation and marked “FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026,” alleges that the police failed to investigate Mohbad’s death adequately.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, in Lagos State.

When the case was called on Thursday, none of the respondents were represented.

Falola presented all the pleadings on behalf of the plaintiff and urged the court to grant the requested reliefs.

The court also heard an application from Mr. Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined to the case.

Obaboye explained that he supports calls for truth, transparency, accountability, and justice regarding Mohbad’s death and wishes to present relevant facts to the court.

Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that Obaboye had not established a sufficient legal interest to warrant joinder.

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

After the proceedings, Falola told reporters that the foundation approached the court because it was dissatisfied with the outcome of the earlier police investigation.

He said that several critical aspects and possible leads were not adequately explored.

According to Falola, the organization is particularly concerned about individuals who were reportedly among the last people seen with the deceased and believes their roles require further scrutiny.

“The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention,” Falola said. “As a human rights organization seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation.”

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

Falola also commented on the failed joinder application, stating that the applicant had not demonstrated any direct interest in the case. (NAN)