Court fixes Sept 29 for judgment in suit seeking fresh Police probe into Mohbad’s death

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 29, 2026, for judgment in a fresh suit seeking to compel the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reopen investigations into the death of Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Thursday, after hearing arguments in the matter filed by Break the Silence Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

The suit, marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, has the IGP, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command as respondents.

None of the respondents was represented in court when the matter was called on Thursday.

During proceedings, counsel to the foundation, Chief Tunde Falola, adopted all processes filed on behalf of the plaintiff and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.

The court also heard an application by one Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined in the suit as an interested party. Obaboye told the court that he supports  calls for truth, transparency, accountability, and justice regarding the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and wished to place relevant facts before the court.

However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, holding that the applicant failed to establish a sufficient legal interest in the case to warrant his joinder.

The court had earlier granted leave to Break the Silence Foundation to commence the action through an ex parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus compelling the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the singer’s death.

Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Falola said the foundation approached the court because it was dissatisfied with the outcome of the earlier police investigation, arguing that several critical aspects and possible leads were not adequately explored.

According to him, the organisation is particularly concerned about individuals who were reportedly among the last people seen with the deceased, insisting that their roles require further scrutiny.

“The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention. 

‘As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation,” Falola said, describing the suit as a mandamus proceeding aimed at compelling the police to revisit the investigation into the cause of Mohbad’s death.

Commenting on the failed joinder application, Falola argued that the applicant had not demonstrated any direct interest in the case.

“You must show the court your interest in the matter. The applicant did not establish that he is a police officer, a party to the suit, or someone directly connected with the proceedings. 

“If every Nigerian were allowed to join the matter without demonstrating a legal interest, it would amount to an abuse of court process,” he said.

Falola also noted that, “The substantive matter has now been heard and adjourned for judgment on September 29”.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, sparking widespread public outrage and demands for accountability over the circumstances surrounding his death.

The singer was buried the following day but his body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy aimed at determining the cause of death.

Nearly three years after his passing, controversy continues to surround the case, delaying the final interment of his remains. 

His father, Joseph Aloba, has consistently called for justice and clarity regarding the circumstances of his son’s death.