By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal High Court in 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 singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Thursday, June 25, 2026, after listening to arguments presented by counsel.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, was filed by 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. The foundation is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
None of the respondents was represented in court when the matter was called on Thursday. Counsel for the foundation, Tunde Falola, adopted all processes filed on behalf of the plaintiff and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought. The court had earlier granted leave for the NGO to commence the action through an ex parte application seeking judicial review.
The court also heard an application by Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined as an interested party. Obaboye told the court he supported calls for truth and accountability over Mohbad’s death and wished to place relevant facts before it. Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, holding that Obaboye failed to establish sufficient legal interest to warrant his joinder.
Speaking to 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 and possible leads were not adequately explored. The organisation is particularly concerned about individuals reportedly among the last people seen with Mohbad, insisting their roles require further scrutiny.
Falola described the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death as mysterious and deserving of public attention. “As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation,” he said. He described the suit as a mandamus proceeding aimed at compelling police authorities to revisit the case and pursue all available leads.
On the failed joinder application, Falola said Obaboye did not demonstrate any direct interest in the matter. “You must show the court your interest. The applicant did not establish that he is a police officer, a party to the suit, or someone directly connected with the proceedings,” he explained. He added that allowing every Nigerian to join without legal interest would amount to an abuse of court process.
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, triggering nationwide outrage and intense public scrutiny. His body was exhumed nine days later for an autopsy, but controversy over the circumstances of his death has persisted. The delay in obtaining conclusive answers has also stalled his final burial, with his remains still in the custody of authorities.
In February 2025, a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Sabo, Yaba, discharged and acquitted singer Naira Marley, music promoter Sam Larry and others of any involvement in Mohbad’s death.
This followed legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions which found no evidence linking them to the incident. The pending Federal High Court judgment will determine whether police must launch a fresh probe into the case.
