Mohbad’s Father Drags Lagos Govt To Appeal Court Over Singer’s Death Investigation

• Challenges Exoneration Of Naira Marley, Sam Larry

Joseph Aloba, the father of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has taken his quest for justice to the Court of Appeal in Lagos, challenging the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that exonerated Naira Marley and Sam Larry of any involvement in his son’s controversial death.

Aloba, through his counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), on Monday filed a notice of appeal contesting the ruling of Justice Taiwo Olatokun of the Lagos State High Court delivered on July 2, which dismissed his earlier application.

The lower court had upheld the powers of the Attorney-General under Section 211(1) of the 1999 Constitution, declaring them “settled and unassailable,” with prosecutorial discretion deemed absolute and beyond judicial interference.

However, in his appeal, Aloba maintained that the trial court erred in law by failing to consider the provisions of Section 211(3), which demand that the Attorney-General exercises such powers in the public interest, the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of the legal process.

Citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Elias Madukaegbu v The State, Aloba argued that the legal advice issued by the DPP while the Coroner’s inquest is still ongoing amounts to a breach of public trust and a misuse of prosecutorial discretion.

He urged the appellate court to allow his appeal and grant an order of certiorari nullifying the legal advice and recommendations that cleared Naira Marley and Sam Larry. The Court of Appeal is yet to fix a date for hearing.

Earlier, the DPP’s office had defended its position in a counter-affidavit dated June 24, asserting that the suspects were not acquitted but merely discharged due to insufficient evidence linking them to Mohbad’s demise.

The office insisted that its legal advice was based on a thorough criminal case file, which neither the Coroner nor Aloba had access to.

Mohbad, a rising music star, died under controversial circumstances in September 2023, sparking nationwide protests and calls for justice.

The case continues to attract public interest amid growing concerns over the handling of the investigation.

Sodiq Lawal

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.

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