The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Break the Silence Foundation permission to seek a mandamus order compelling the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to re-investigate the death of musician Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho issued the ruling on Wednesday following an ex parte motion filed by the NGO’s counsel, Tunde Falola.
The foundation is seeking to compel the police to perform their statutory duties as mandated by Section 4 of the Police Act 2020.
The late Ilerioluwa Promise Oladimeji Aloba, known professionally as Mohbad, died in Lagos in September 2023.
The NGO alleges that the initial police investigation was incomplete and compromised, failing to thoroughly interrogate key individuals seen with the singer before his death.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho granted leave for the investigation to include the questioning of those last seen with the deceased, specifically his wife, Omowumi Cynthia Aloba, his close associates, and his father, Joseph Aloba.
The judge further noted that the order would allow police to arrest and charge any individuals found directly or indirectly responsible for the death, provided evidence warrants such action.
The foundation’s legal representative, Bright Bassey, stated in a supporting affidavit that despite widespread public outcry and a directive to reopen the case, the police have failed to conduct a truly impartial probe.
While the police previously prosecuted a nurse involved in the singer’s treatment, the NGO maintains that several credible stakeholders believe the investigation remains insufficient.
The NGO had previously petitioned the president, leading to the transfer of the case to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja.
However, the foundation alleges that recent efforts to ensure a diligent reinvestigation have not yielded results, prompting this legal action.
The court has adjourned the matter until May 4 for a full hearing.
