•Fresh probe bid returns case to court
The death of Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, is set for another major legal development on September 29 when the Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to deliver judgment in a suit seeking a fresh police investigation into his death.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after hearing arguments in the suit filed by the Registered Trustees of the Break the Silence Foundation.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, is against the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
The foundation is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the police to reopen investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death, arguing that the earlier investigation did not adequately address some critical issues.
Justice Omotosho fixed September 29 for judgment after counsel to the foundation, Chief Tunde Falola, adopted the processes filed by his client and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought. None of the respondents was represented when the matter was called.
The judge also dismissed an application by one Samson Obaboye, who sought to join the case as an interested party. Justice Omotosho held that the applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient legal interest in the proceedings.
The September 29 judgment is, therefore, not a trial determining whether any individual is guilty of killing Mohbad. It will principally determine whether the police can be compelled to undertake a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The development has nevertheless revived the long-running #JusticeForMohbad campaign, with supporters once again turning their attention to the courts.
Mohbad died in Lagos on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His death generated widespread public outrage, particularly over reports and allegations concerning events surrounding his final days.
He was buried shortly after his death, but his remains were later exhumed for an autopsy following the public outcry.
The controversy subsequently moved into the courtroom, with the Lagos State government establishing a coroner’s inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
The coroner’s proceedings attracted significant public attention, with several witnesses giving evidence.
The outcome, however, did not bring an end to the controversy.
Instead, questions continued to be raised by members of Mohbad’s family, supporters and groups campaigning for justice.
The latest Federal High Court case has now created another legal avenue for those seeking a fresh examination of the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Break the Silence Foundation maintains that important aspects of the earlier police investigation require further scrutiny.
Its counsel argued that people who were reportedly among those who last saw Mohbad alive should be subjected to further investigation and that relevant leads should not be allowed to go unexamined.
The development comes amid continuing disagreements over the handling of the case.
Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, has repeatedly called for further investigation and has remained vocal about his demand for answers concerning his son’s death.
The family has also been involved in a number of disputes since the singer’s death, including disagreements surrounding his remains and the paternity of his son, Liam.
Those disputes have generated substantial attention on social media and have occasionally overshadowed the wider campaign for justice.
Despite the family disagreements, supporters of the late singer have continued to demand that the circumstances surrounding his death be properly established.
Another major chapter in the case involved singer Naira Marley and music promoter Samson Eletu, popularly known as Sam Larry.
Their names became prominent in public discussions following Mohbad’s death, with allegations circulating on social media concerning their relationship with the late singer.
The criminal proceedings surrounding them subsequently ended without a conviction for Mohbad’s death, but the development did not completely silence calls for further investigation.
The latest suit is consequently being watched closely by supporters who believe that the questions surrounding the singer’s death have not been satisfactorily resolved.
For the family, September 29 represents another opportunity to push the matter further through the judicial process.
For fans, it is another date attached to a case that has remained one of the most closely followed celebrity controversies in Nigeria since 2023.
Mohbad’s music has continued to attract listeners after his death, while his name remains a regular feature of discussions about Nigeria’s entertainment industry and the welfare of young artistes.
The #JusticeForMohbad campaign, which gained nationwide momentum immediately after his death, has similarly remained active on social media.
As the September 29 date approaches, attention is expected to focus on Justice James Omotosho and the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A decision in favour of the Break the Silence Foundation could compel the police to revisit the case and potentially examine witnesses, evidence and leads afresh.
A decision against the application, however, would leave the existing investigative position in place, subject to any further legal steps available to those seeking a review.
For Mohbad’s family and his fans, the anticipation is therefore centred not on the conviction of any particular individual on September 29, but on whether the court will open the door to another police investigation.
Nearly three years after his death, the demand for answers remains alive.
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