News

Court Fixes Sept 29 For Judgment In Suit Seeking Fresh Probe Of Mohbad’s Death

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedJune 25, 2026

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 29, 2026, for judgment in a suit seeking to compel the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reopen investigations into the death of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter for judgment on Thursday after hearing arguments in the case filed by Break the Silence Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, lists the IGP, the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, as respondents.

None of the respondents was represented in court during Thursday’s proceedings.

Counsel to the foundation, Chief Tunde Falola, adopted all processes filed by the plaintiff and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.

The court also considered an application by Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined in the suit as an interested party.

Obaboye told the court he supports calls for truth, transparency, accountability and justice over the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and wanted to present relevant facts before the court.

However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that the applicant failed to establish sufficient legal interest in the matter to justify his inclusion in the suit.

The court had earlier granted leave to Break the Silence Foundation to institute the action through an ex parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus directing the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the singer’s death.

Speaking after the proceedings, Falola said the foundation approached the court because it was dissatisfied with the outcome of the earlier police investigation, arguing that several critical aspects of the case and possible leads were not thoroughly explored.

According to him, the organisation is particularly concerned about individuals who were reportedly among the last people seen with the deceased, insisting that their roles require further 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.

On the dismissed joinder application, Falola maintained that the applicant failed to demonstrate any direct interest in the case.

“You must show the court your interest in the matter. The applicant did not establish that he is a police officer, a party to the suit, or someone directly connected with the proceedings.

“If every Nigerian were allowed to join the matter without demonstrating a legal interest, it would amount to an abuse of court process,” he said.

Falola added that the substantive matter had been concluded and adjourned for judgment on September 29.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, sparking widespread public outrage and calls for accountability over the circumstances of his death.

His body was buried the following day but exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Nearly three years later, controversy continues to surround the case, while his father, Joseph Aloba, has repeatedly demanded justice and clarity over the circumstances leading to his son’s death.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.