A Federal High Court in Abuja has given approval for a fresh legal action seeking to compel the police to reopen the investigation into the death of popular singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the decision was made on Wednesday after an application was filed by a civil society group, the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation.
The group approached the court through its lawyer, asking for permission to seek an order that would force the police authorities to carry out a proper and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
The ruling was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who granted the request and allowed the organisation to proceed with its case. The suit was filed against the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State.
Mohbad died in September 2023 in Lagos, and his death sparked public reactions both within Nigeria and abroad. Many people questioned the circumstances of his death and called for justice.
In his ruling, the judge also allowed the group to request that the police carry out their duties as stated under the Police Act. This includes inviting and questioning individuals who were last seen with the singer, including his wife, close associates, and his father. The order also covers the possibility of arresting and prosecuting anyone found to be connected to the death, if evidence supports such action.
The court further approved a method for serving legal documents on the Lagos State police command by allowing the papers to be delivered to any officer at the Inspector-General’s Legal Department in Abuja. This method was accepted as valid service.
The case has been adjourned until May 4 for further hearing.
According to documents filed in support of the application, the group argued that the police have a duty to enforce the law and ensure justice for all citizens.
It stated that there were concerns about how the initial investigation was handled, with claims that it was not complete and may have been compromised.
The group noted that although a nurse who treated the singer before his death was arrested and prosecuted, some key individuals who were with him at the time were not properly investigated.
It also explained that public pressure led to a directive for the case to be reopened and moved to Abuja for a new investigation. However, the group claimed that the matter was later returned to Lagos without a proper outcome.