Court Sets Date for Mohbad Investigation Ruling
Federal High Court fixes judgment date in a case seeking renewed investigation into Mohbad’s death and unanswered questions.
The Federal High Court in Abuja will deliver judgment on a suit seeking a fresh investigation into Mohbad’s death.
The Federal High Court Abuja has fixed September 29, 2026, to deliver judgment in a case seeking to compel the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reopen investigations into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho set the date on Thursday after hearing arguments in the suit filed by Break the Silence Foundation, a non-governmental organisation seeking further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, lists the IGP, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, as respondents. However, none of the respondents appeared in court during the hearing.
Counsel to the foundation, Chief Tunde Falola, adopted the legal documents submitted by the organisation and asked the court to grant the requested orders. The court also considered an application by Samson Obaboye, who sought to join the case as an interested party.
Obaboye told the court that he supported calls for truth, transparency, accountability and justice regarding Mohbad’s death. However, Justice Omotosho rejected the request, ruling that he had not shown enough legal interest in the matter to justify becoming part of the proceedings.
The court had previously allowed Break the Silence Foundation to begin the legal action through an application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus requiring police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation.
Speaking after the hearing, Falola explained that the foundation approached the court because it was unhappy with the outcome of the earlier police investigation. He argued that important areas and possible leads were not properly examined, especially concerning people reportedly among the last individuals seen with the singer.
“The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention.
‘As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation,” Falola said.
Mohbad’s death on September 12, 2023, triggered widespread public reactions and demands for accountability. His remains were later exhumed for an autopsy, but questions surrounding the case continue nearly three years later.
Will the court’s decision bring new answers and clarity to the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death?
