The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 10, 2026, for judgment in a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to reopen its investigation into the death of late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice Omotosho reserved judgment after hearing arguments in the matter instituted 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, none of the respondents was represented in court.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Tunde Falola, urged the court to grant the reliefs sought by the foundation, including an order compelling the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
The court also dismissed an application filed by Samson Obaboye seeking to be joined in the suit as an interested party.
In his ruling on the application, Justice Omotosho held that the applicant failed to establish sufficient legal interest in the matter to warrant his inclusion in the proceedings.
The Break the Silence Foundation had earlier secured leave of the court to commence judicial review proceedings through an application for an order of mandamus directing the police to reopen investigations into Mohbad’s death.
The foundation is challenging the outcome of the earlier police investigation, arguing that key aspects of the case were not thoroughly examined.
Speaking with journalists after the hearing, Falola said the organisation remained dissatisfied with the manner in which the initial investigation was conducted.
According to him, critical leads were allegedly left unexplored, while the roles of individuals reported to have been among the last persons seen with the late singer were not adequately scrutinised.
He maintained that questions surrounding the circumstances of Mohbad’s death remain unresolved and require further investigation in the interest of justice.
Mohbad’s death in September 2023 sparked widespread public outrage and calls for accountability, with fans, civil society groups and concerned Nigerians demanding a comprehensive probe into the events leading to his demise.
The court is expected to deliver its judgment on July 10.
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