Mohbad: Court Decides on Fresh Police Investigation

Mohbad (Nigerian rapper and singer)

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set 29 September for its judgment on a new lawsuit aiming to force the police to reopen the investigation into the death of musician Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Thursday after hearing arguments from Chief Tunde Falola, counsel for the applicant. The Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police—named as the first, second, and third respondents—failed to appear in court.

The legal action was brought forward by a non-governmental organisation, the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation. The singer, Mohbad, passed away in Lagos on 12 September 2023.

When the case was called on Thursday, none of the respondents were represented. Mr Falola adopted all the documents filed on behalf of the foundation and urged the court to grant the requested orders.

The court also heard a request from Mr Samson Obaboye, who wished to join the lawsuit. Mr Obaboye stated he wanted to present relevant facts to support transparency, accountability, and justice regarding Mohbad's death. However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that he had failed to prove a sufficient legal interest in the case to justify joining the proceedings.

The court had previously granted permission to the NGO to launch the judicial review, which seeks an order of mandamus to compel police authorities to conduct a fresh inquiry.

Speaking to journalists after the hearing, Mr Falola explained that the foundation turned to the courts because it was dissatisfied with the original police investigation. He argued that several critical leads and angles had not been properly explored, noting that the organisation is particularly concerned that individuals reported to be among the last people seen with the deceased have not faced sufficient 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.

He described the lawsuit as a mandamus proceeding aimed at forcing the police to revisit the investigation into the cause of Mohbad’s death. Commenting on the failed application to join the suit, Mr Falola argued that the applicant had not demonstrated any direct legal interest in the case.