The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed hearing to June 25, 2026, for a fresh lawsuit that seeks a court order compelling the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reopen investigations into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad.
Court Grants Leave for Judicial Review
Justice James Omotosho had previously granted leave to the non-governmental organisation, Break the Silence Foundation, to initiate the suit through an ex-parte application. The application seeks a judicial review and an order of mandamus to compel the police to conduct a new investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
The lawsuit, designated as FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, names the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, as defendants.
Foundation Expresses Dissatisfaction with Earlier Probe
Chief Tunde Falola, counsel to the foundation, told journalists after the hearing was stalled on Wednesday that the organisation approached the court due to dissatisfaction with the earlier police investigation. He alleged that critical areas and possible leads were not properly examined.
Falola emphasised that the group is particularly concerned about individuals who were last seen with the deceased, arguing that their roles require further investigation. “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,” he stated.
Adjournment Due to Security-Related Cases
The lawyer explained that the matter could not proceed on Wednesday because the court was handling sensitive security-related criminal cases requiring continuous hearing, leading to the adjournment. He dismissed concerns over the delay, noting that adjournments are normal in court proceedings.
Dr. Badiru Mohammed Bashir, a trustee of the foundation, affirmed that the organisation would continue to pursue the matter until justice is achieved. He stated that the group believes new leads provided to the police require fresh examination. “We believe the earlier investigation was not enough because there are new leads that need to be investigated. That is why we approached the court,” he said.
Background of Mohbad’s Death
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, evoking widespread mourning and anguish over the circumstances surrounding his sudden death. He was buried the following day and later exhumed on September 21 for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. For nearly three years, controversies have swirled around his death, preventing the interment of his body.
His father, Joseph Aloba, has been advocating for justice to establish the cause of death, a move that has led to a legal dispute. Besides issues concerning the cause of death, a dispute over the paternity of Liam, Mohbad’s only son, has raged on since his demise.
The foundation stated that its intervention is not selective and that it will support justice in any case involving alleged rights violations brought before it.
