Abuja court to deliver judgment September 29 in suit seeking fresh probe into Mohbad’s death

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 29 for judgment in a suit seeking an order compelling the Nigeria Police Force to reopen investigations into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho reserved judgment on Thursday after hearing submissions from counsel to the applicant, Chief Tunde Falola.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, was instituted by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

The Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command are listed as respondents.

None of the respondents was represented when the matter came up for hearing.

Falola adopted the applicant’s processes and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought, including an order mandating a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

The court also ruled on an application by Samson Obaboye seeking to be joined in the suit. Obaboye told the court he supported calls for transparency, accountability and justice over the singer’s death and sought to present relevant facts.

Justice Omotosho, however, dismissed the application, holding that the applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient legal interest to warrant his inclusion in the proceedings.

The court had earlier granted the foundation leave to commence judicial review proceedings through an ex parte application seeking an order of mandamus directing police authorities to reopen the investigation.

Speaking after the proceedings, Falola said the organisation approached the court because it was dissatisfied with the outcome of the earlier police investigation, arguing that key leads and critical aspects of the case were not adequately examined.

According to him, individuals believed to have been among the last people seen with the late singer require further scrutiny.

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

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, in Lagos, sparking widespread public interest and calls for accountability over the circumstances of his death.