Court to Deliver Judgment September 29 in Suit Seeking Reopening of Mohbad’s Death Investigation
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 29, 2026, to deliver judgment in a lawsuit seeking to compel police authorities to reopen investigations into the death of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad.
The case, filed by the Break the Silence Foundation, names the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command as respondents.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after hearing arguments on Thursday. Notably, none of the respondents appeared in court during the proceedings.
Representing the foundation, counsel Tunde Falola urged the court to grant all the reliefs requested by the organisation, insisting that important areas of the earlier investigation were not adequately explored.
The court also considered an application from Samson Obaboye, who sought to join the case as an interested party. Obaboye argued that he supported efforts toward truth, transparency, accountability, and justice regarding the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and wished to provide relevant information.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the request, ruling that Obaboye failed to establish sufficient legal interest to justify his involvement in the matter.
The court had previously granted the foundation permission to begin legal proceedings through an ex parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus to compel police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation.
Speaking after the hearing, Falola explained that the foundation approached the court because it remained dissatisfied with the outcome of the initial police investigation. According to him, several unanswered questions and possible leads were not thoroughly examined.
He specifically raised concerns about individuals believed to have been among the last people seen with the late singer, arguing that their roles deserved deeper scrutiny.
“The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention,” Falola stated. “As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation.”
He further described the suit as a legal effort aimed at compelling law enforcement authorities to revisit the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
Addressing the failed application for joinder, Falola stressed that legal interest must be clearly established before an individual can be included in a case.
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 has continued to surround the case.
The prolonged search for conclusive answers has also delayed his burial, with his remains still in the custody of authorities.
In February 2025, a Lagos Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, 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.
The Break the Silence Foundation is now asking the court to direct police authorities to reopen the investigation and take further steps toward resolving lingering questions surrounding the late singer’s death.
