The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has on Thursday fixed date for the judgement in a suit seeking to compel the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to embark on fresh investigations into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho, the presiding judge, fixed September 29, 2026, for the judgement after hearing arguments in the matter filed by a non-governmental organisation, Break the Silence Foundation.
The suit listed the IGP, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, as respondents.
However, at the proceedings today, none of the respondents was represented in court when the matter was called.
With the absence of the respondents, the counsel to the plaintiff, Tunde Falola, adopted all processes filed on behalf of the organisation and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.
The court also heard an application by one Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined in the suit as an interested party.
According to reports, Obaboye told the court that he supported calls for truth, transparency, accountability, and justice regarding the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and wished to place relevant facts before the court.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, holding that the applicant failed to establish sufficient legal interest in the case to warrant his joinder.
The court had earlier granted leave to the plaintiff to commence the action through an ex parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus compelling the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the singer’s death.
NPO Reported that Mohbad passed away on the 12th of September 2023.
The circumstances surrounding his death had since been subject of controversies which had led to arrest and arraignment of several suspects Nigerian artist, Naira Marley, and his ally, Sam Larry, who had since been acquitted of their alleged involvement in the death of the singer.
Meanwhile, addressing journalists after the proceedings, Falola said the NGO approached the court because it was dissatisfied with the outcome of the earlier police investigation.
The organisation, according to him, argued that several critical aspects and possible leads were not adequately explored, particularly about individuals who were reportedly among the last people seen with the deceased,.
The NGO insisted that their roles require further scrutiny.
“The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention,” he said.
“As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation,” Falola said.