Court Dismisses Mohbad’s Father’s Bid To Overturn DPP’s Decision On Naira Marley, Sam Larry

The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has dismissed an application filed by Mr. Joseph Aloba, father of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba (known as Mohbad), challenging the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that led to the release of music figures Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others from suspicion in connection with Mohbad’s death.

Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Taiwo Olatokun held that the Attorney General of Lagos State acted within the scope of constitutional powers in making prosecutorial decisions, and that such discretion cannot be overridden or questioned by the court.

Justice Olatokun stated that the reliefs sought by the applicant were untenable, affirming that the Attorney General, through the DPP, exercised a lawful prosecutorial judgment. Consequently, the application was struck out.

Mr. Aloba, who was present in court with supporters of the late Mohbad, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. His counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), confirmed that the ruling would be appealed.

The application, filed on behalf of the Aloba family, named the Lagos State Attorney General and the DPP as respondents. Mr. Aloba’s legal team had argued that the DPP’s legal advice pre-empted the ongoing Coroner’s inquest into Mohbad’s death and deprived the family of a fair hearing. They insisted that key individuals mentioned in the Coroner’s inquiry were prematurely cleared of suspicion.

However, in a counter affidavit filed on June 24, legal officer Ayinde Ibrahim from the DPP’s office clarified that the individuals mentioned were not acquitted but merely discharged, meaning further action could still be taken if new evidence emerged.

The state argued that the legal advice was issued based on a comprehensive review of the police case file—evidence which neither the applicant nor the Coroner’s court had seen. According to the DPP’s findings, no direct or circumstantial link was established connecting Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Prime Boy, or Opere Babatunde to Mohbad’s death.

The court ultimately agreed with the DPP’s position and dismissed the application in the interest of justice.