Abuja court rejects NGO bid to reopen investigation into Mohbad’s death

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the police to reopen investigations into the death of Afrobeats singer Ilerioluwa “Mohbad” Aloba. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation had not demonstrated sufficient legal interest to bring the case. The suit named the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police in Lagos as respondents.

The judge had previously granted the organisation permission to begin proceedings through an ex parte application. The foundation sought judicial review and an order of mandamus requiring a fresh investigation. Justice Omotosho said the application was unsupported by credible evidence.

He noted that the foundation had alleged shortcomings in the earlier police investigation but had not provided the original police or investigation report. Without that document, the court could not determine whether relatives identified by the organisation, including the singer’s wife and father, had been investigated. The judge said assertions unsupported by evidence could not justify the relief requested.

He described the case as meritless and warned lawyers involved not to discuss the proceedings publicly through interviews or social media. He said breaches of the directive could lead to contempt proceedings. Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, and was buried the next day.

His remains were later exhumed for an autopsy. Controversies surrounding his death have continued, while his father, Joseph Aloba, has repeatedly called for justice and answers. The ruling does not resolve the wider questions raised by the singer’s family and others, but it rejects this particular application for a fresh investigation.