•A new investigation offer returns the case to court
The death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, will be another major legal development on September 29, when the Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to deliver judgment in a suit seeking a fresh police investigation into his death.
Judge James Omotosho set the date after hearing arguments in the suit filed by the Registered Trustees of the Break the Silence Foundation.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, is against the Inspector General of Police, Nigerian Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
The foundation is seeking a mandamus order forcing police to reopen investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death, arguing that the previous investigation did not adequately address some critical issues.
Justice Omotosho set September 29 for sentencing after the foundation’s lawyer, Chief Tunde Falola, adopted the processes presented by his client and urged the court to grant the requested reliefs. None of the respondents were represented when the matter was called.
The judge also rejected the application of one Samson Obaboye, who sought to join the case as an interested party. Justice Omotosho held that the applicant did not demonstrate sufficient legal interest in the proceedings.
Therefore, the September 29 sentencing is not a trial that determines whether an individual is guilty of killing Mohbad. It will mainly determine whether police can be forced to launch a new investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
However, this development has revived the long-running #JusticeForMohbad campaign, with supporters once again turning their attention to the courts.
Mohbad died in Lagos on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His death sparked widespread public outrage, particularly over reports and accusations about the events surrounding his final days.
He was buried shortly after his death, but his remains were later exhumed for an autopsy following public outcry.
The controversy was later moved to court, with the Lagos State Government establishing a coroner’s inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
The coroner’s actions attracted significant public attention, and several witnesses gave evidence.
The result, however, did not put an end to the controversy.
Instead, Mohbad’s family members, his supporters and groups campaigning for justice continued to raise questions.
The latest Federal High Court case has now created another legal avenue for those seeking a fresh examination of the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Break the Silence Foundation argues that important aspects of the previous police investigation require greater scrutiny.
His lawyer argued that people who were reportedly among those who last saw Mohbad alive should be subjected to further investigation and that relevant clues should not be allowed to go unexamined.
The development comes amid continuing disagreements over the handling of the case.
Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, has repeatedly called for further investigations and has expressed his demand for answers into his son’s death.
The family has also been involved in a series of disputes since the singer’s death, including disagreements over his remains and the paternity of his son, Liam.
Those disputes have generated substantial attention on social media and have at times overshadowed the broader campaign for justice.
Despite family disagreements, supporters of the late singer have continued to demand that the circumstances surrounding his death be properly established.
Another important chapter of the case involved singer Naira Marley and music promoter Samson Eletu, popularly known as Sam Larry.
Their names became prominent in public debates following Mohbad’s death, and accusations about their relationship with the late singer circulated on social media.
The criminal proceedings surrounding them subsequently ended without a conviction being handed down for Mohbad’s death, but this did not completely silence calls for further investigations.
Therefore, the latest lawsuit is being closely followed by his followers who believe that the issues surrounding the singer’s death have not been satisfactorily resolved.
For the family, September 29 represents another opportunity to push the matter through the court process.
For fans, it is another date associated with a case that remains one of the most followed celebrity controversies in Nigeria since 2023.
Mohbad’s music has continued to attract listeners after his death, while his name remains a regular topic in debates about Nigeria’s entertainment industry and the well-being of young artists.
The #JusticeForMohbad campaign, which gained national momentum immediately after his death, also remained active on social media.
As the September 29 date approaches, attention is expected to focus on Justice James Omotosho and the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A decision in favor of the Break the Silence Foundation could force police to review the case and potentially re-examine witnesses, evidence and leads.
However, a decision against the application would maintain the existing investigative position, subject to any additional legal measures available to those seeking a review.
For Mohbad’s family and his supporters, the expectation is not about the sentencing of any particular individual on September 29, but whether the court will open the door to another police investigation.
Almost three years after his death, the demand for answers remains alive.
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