The Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in a suit seeking to compel the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reopen investigations into the controversial death of Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho fixed September 29, 2026, for judgment after hearing arguments in the case instituted by Break the Silence Foundation, a non-governmental organisation challenging the outcome of the earlier police investigation into the singer’s death.
The suit names the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, as respondents.
At the proceedings on Tuesday, none of the respondents appeared in court when the matter was called.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Tunde Falola, adopted all processes filed on behalf of the foundation and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought, including an order compelling the police to conduct a fresh investigation.
The court also considered an application filed by Samson Obaboye seeking to be joined in the suit as an interested party.
Obaboye told the court that he supported calls for transparency, accountability, and justice regarding the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and intended to place 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 proceedings.
The judge held that the requirements for joinder had not been met and consequently declined the request.
The foundation had earlier secured leave from the court to commence the action through an ex parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus directing the police authorities to reopen investigations into the singer’s death.
Speaking with journalists after the hearing, Falola said the organisation approached the court because it was dissatisfied with the findings and scope of the earlier police probe.
According to him, several critical issues and potential leads were not adequately explored during the initial investigation, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the process.
He said the organisation was particularly interested in individuals reportedly among the last people seen with the deceased, arguing that their roles and possible involvement deserved closer scrutiny.
“The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention,” Falola said.
“As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation,” he added, describing the suit as a mandamus proceeding aimed at compelling law enforcement authorities to revisit the case.
Falola also defended his opposition to Obaboye’s application for joinder, insisting that the applicant failed to demonstrate any direct connection to the matter.
He argued that Obaboye neither established that he was a police officer nor showed that he was a party directly affected by the proceedings.
According to Falola, allowing individuals without a clear legal interest to join the case would amount to an abuse of court process.
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, triggering widespread public outrage and demands for accountability over the circumstances surrounding his death.
His burial took place the following day, but his body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, to facilitate an autopsy intended to determine the cause of death.
Nearly three years later, unresolved questions surrounding the case continue to fuel public interest and controversy, while the singer’s remains are yet to receive a final burial.
His father, Joseph Aloba, has repeatedly called for justice and greater clarity regarding the events leading to his son’s death, maintaining pressure on authorities to uncover the truth.
