Court to rule on fresh Mohbad probe suit September 29

The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to deliver a judgment on September 29, 2026, regarding a lawsuit that calls for the reopening of investigations into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad. The court fixed the date after hearing arguments in the case filed by the non-governmental organization, Break the Silence Foundation.

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The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention.

The lawsuit aims to compel the Inspector-General of Police to initiate a new probe into the circumstances surrounding the singer's demise. The respondents in the suit include the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command. Notably, none of the respondents were represented in court when the matter was called.

During the proceedings, the court heard an application from Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined in the suit as an interested party. Obaboye stated his support for calls for truth, transparency, and justice concerning Mohbad's death and expressed a desire to present relevant facts to the court. However, Justice James Omotosho dismissed this application, ruling that Obaboye had not established sufficient legal interest in the case.

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As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation.

The foundation's lawyer, Tunde Falola, adopted all filed processes and urged the court to grant the requested reliefs. Falola later explained to journalists that the foundation pursued legal action due to dissatisfaction with the initial police investigation, arguing that crucial aspects and potential leads were not adequately explored. He highlighted concerns about individuals last seen with Mohbad, whose roles, he believes, require further scrutiny.

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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.

Falola described the suit as a mandamus proceeding designed to compel the police to revisit the investigation. He also commented on the dismissed joinder application, stating that the applicant failed to demonstrate a direct legal interest in the matter, which could otherwise lead to an abuse of court process if every Nigerian were allowed to join without such a showing.

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