Fresh Twist In Mohbad Saga: Court To Decide On Reopening Police Probe

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 29, 2026, for judgment in a suit seeking an order compelling the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reopen investigations into the death of Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The case was instituted by Break the Silence Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, against the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.

When the matter came up for hearing, none of the respondents was represented in court.

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 previously granted leave for the foundation to commence the action through an ex parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus directing the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

During the proceedings, Justice James Omotosho also considered an application by Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined in the suit as an interested party.

Obaboye told the court that he supported ongoing calls for transparency, accountability, and justice regarding the singer’s death and wished to present information he considered relevant to the case.

However, the court dismissed the application, ruling that the applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient legal interest to warrant his inclusion in the proceedings.

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

According to him, several crucial aspects of the case were not adequately examined, while certain leads that could help uncover the full circumstances of Mohbad’s death were allegedly not thoroughly pursued.

The lawyer stated that the organisation remains particularly concerned about individuals reported to have been among the last people seen with the late singer, arguing that their roles require further scrutiny.

“The circumstances surrounding his death remain unresolved and continue to raise serious questions,” Falola said.

“As a human rights organisation committed to justice, we believe a fresh and comprehensive investigation is necessary.”

He explained that the suit is a mandamus action aimed at compelling law enforcement authorities to revisit the investigation and determine the true cause of the singer’s death.

Commenting on the dismissed joinder application, Falola maintained that the applicant failed to establish a direct legal interest in the matter, noting that he was neither a party to the suit nor directly connected to the proceedings.

He argued that allowing individuals without a clear legal stake to join the case could undermine the judicial process.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, sparking widespread public outrage and demands for justice across the country.

He was buried the following day, but his remains were exhumed on September 21, 2023, to facilitate an autopsy aimed at establishing the cause of death.

Nearly three years later, controversy and unanswered questions continue to surround the circumstances of his passing, delaying the final burial of his remains.

His father, Joseph Aloba, has repeatedly called for a thorough investigation and justice for his late son.