The Federal High Court in Abuja has set September 29 for judgment in a suit seeking a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of singer Mohbad. Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after hearing submissions from Chief Tunde Falola, counsel representing the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation, an NGO that approached the court to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen the case.
Court Proceedings and Absence of Respondents
During the hearing on Thursday, June 25, the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police—all listed as respondents—were not represented. With no opposition arguments presented, Falola adopted all processes filed on behalf of the foundation and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.
Foundation's Push for Fresh Investigation
The foundation argued that the previous police investigation did not adequately address several critical issues surrounding Mohbad's death. Speaking after the hearing, Falola stated that the organisation remains dissatisfied with the outcome of earlier investigations. According to him, there are still important leads and unanswered questions that deserve further scrutiny.
He said: "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." The lawyer added that the suit aims to compel law enforcement authorities to revisit the case through a fresh and more comprehensive investigation.
Application to Join the Suit Dismissed
The court also considered an application by Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined in the suit. Obaboye told the court that he supported calls for transparency, accountability, and justice in the matter and wished to present relevant facts. However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that the applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient legal interest to justify his inclusion in the case. The ruling ensured the focus remained on the main application seeking a fresh probe.
Related Legal Developments
In a separate case, Mohbad's widower, Wunmi Aloba, has taken a TikToker, Oladimeji Hammed (known as Immunizer), to court over alleged defamation. Immunizer had been making videos about Wunmi amid her ongoing legal dispute with her father-in-law over the paternity of her son, Liam. In one video, he allegedly claimed that Wunmi was planning to flee the country amid the controversy surrounding the quest for justice for the late singer.
Additionally, Mohbad's father has accused Wunmi of killing his son. In a video that surfaced online, he claimed the widow was responsible for the singer's death, citing a voice note where Mohbad allegedly told his wife that if she killed him, she could not kill all his family.
