A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 29 as the date to deliver its ruling regarding a lawsuit aimed at forcing the police to launch a new investigation into the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad. Justice James Omotosho set the date following submissions from the applicant’s lawyer, Chief Tunde Falola.
The respondents in the case, which include the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, did not attend the hearing. The suit, filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation, calls for an order of mandamus to reopen the inquiry into the singer’s September 12, 2023, passing.
During the session, the court addressed a bid by Samson Obaboye to join the proceedings, which he claimed was intended to ensure accountability. Justice Omotosho rejected this request, ruling that Obaboye did not demonstrate enough legal standing to be included. With the respondents absent, Falola urged the court to grant the foundation’s request for a judicial review.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Falola noted that his client remains unsatisfied with the initial police findings. He argued that the authorities overlooked key leads and failed to thoroughly investigate people who were in contact with the musician shortly before he died. The foundation maintains that a fresh, transparent investigation is necessary to resolve the mysteries surrounding his death.
