The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 29, 2026, for judgment in a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of popular singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho scheduled the judgment date on Thursday after hearing arguments from counsel to the applicant, Chief Tunde Falola.
The suit was filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, against the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, seeks a court order directing the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of the late musician.
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, in Lagos State under circumstances that have continued to generate public interest and controversy.
When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, none of the respondents were represented in court.
Counsel to the applicant, Falola, subsequently adopted all processes filed before the court and urged the judge to grant the reliefs sought by the organisation.
The court also considered an application filed by one Mr Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined as a party in the suit.
Obaboye told the court that he supported calls for transparency, accountability and justice concerning the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and wished to present what he described as relevant facts before the court.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that the applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient legal interest in the matter to justify his inclusion in the proceedings.
The judge held that the requirements for joinder had not been satisfied and consequently declined the request.
The court had earlier granted leave to the foundation to institute the action through an ex-parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus.
The order sought would compel the police authorities to revisit and reopen investigations into the cause of Mohbad’s death.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, Falola explained that the foundation decided to approach the court because it was dissatisfied with the outcome of the initial police investigation.
According to him, several important aspects of the case and possible investigative leads were not adequately explored during the earlier probe.
He stated that the organisation remained concerned about individuals who were reportedly among the last persons seen with the late singer before his death.
Falola argued that the actions and roles of such individuals deserved further scrutiny in order to establish the truth.
“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.”
He described the suit as a mandamus proceeding specifically aimed at compelling law enforcement authorities to conduct a fresh and comprehensive investigation into the singer’s death.
Falola also commented on the failed joinder application, insisting that the applicant did not establish any direct legal interest in the case.
He maintained that the foundation’s objective remained the pursuit of truth, accountability and justice regarding the events that led to Mohbad’s death.
The court is expected to deliver its judgment on September 29, a ruling that could determine whether the police will be legally compelled to reopen investigations into one of Nigeria’s most talked-about celebrity deaths in recent years.
