ABUJA, Nigeria: The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 29, 2026, to deliver a judgment in a lawsuit seeking to compel the Inspector-General of Police to reopen the investigation into the death of Nigerian musician Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Thursday following arguments presented by the Break the Silence Foundation, a non-governmental organization. Okay News reports that the foundation filed the suit to mandate the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command to conduct a fresh inquiry.
Counsel for the foundation, Tunde Falola, told the court the organization was dissatisfied with the initial investigation and sought a review of individuals seen with the deceased prior to his passing. “The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention,” Falola said. He added, “As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation.”
The court dismissed an application by Samson Obaboye, who sought to join the suit as an interested party to present facts regarding the singer’s death. The judge ruled that the applicant lacked sufficient legal interest to be included in the proceedings marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026.
Addressing the failed joinder application, Falola stated the applicant did not demonstrate a direct connection to the case. “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 said. He added, “If every Nigerian were allowed to join the matter without demonstrating a legal interest, it would amount to an abuse of court process.”
The musician died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, and his remains have remained in the custody of authorities since being exhumed for an autopsy nine days after his burial. In February 2025, a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Sabo, Yaba, discharged singer Naira Marley and music promoter Sam Larry of involvement in the death based on legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
