A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 29, 2026, to deliver judgment in a suit seeking to compel the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reopen investigations into the death of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
The case was filed 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.
At the hearing, counsel for the plaintiff, Tunde Falola, adopted all court processes filed on behalf of the organisation and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought. None of the respondents was represented when the matter was called.
The court also considered an application by Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined as an interested party in the suit. Obaboye argued that he supported efforts aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice over the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
However, Justice James Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that the applicant failed to establish sufficient legal interest in the matter to justify his inclusion in the case.
The court had earlier granted leave for the foundation to institute the action through a judicial review process seeking an order of mandamus to compel the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the singer’s death.
Speaking after the proceedings, Falola said the organisation was dissatisfied with the outcome of the initial police investigation, maintaining that several critical aspects of the case were not thoroughly examined.
He stressed that the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death remained unclear and required further scrutiny, particularly regarding individuals reportedly among the last people seen with the singer before his death.
Falola said the foundation approached the court in the interest of justice, insisting that a fresh investigation was necessary to establish the true cause of death.
He also defended the court’s decision to reject the joinder application, arguing that the applicant failed to show any direct connection to the case.
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, triggering widespread public concern and calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death.
His body was buried the following day but was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy. Nearly three years later, questions surrounding the cause of his death remain unresolved, while his father, Joseph Aloba, continues to demand justice and clarity over the matter.
Justice Omotosho is expected to deliver judgment on September 29.
