Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 28 for the hearing of a lawsuit aimed at compelling the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to reopen an inquiry into the death of popular musician Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, widely known as Mohbad.
According to reports, a non-governmental organization, the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation, obtained court approval on April 15 to seek an order of mandamus. This order would require the police to conduct a thorough, diligent, impartial, and professional reinvestigation into the events leading to Mohbad's death in Lagos in September 2023.
Following an ex parte motion filed by the applicant, the court granted permission to apply for an order mandating the respondents to perform their statutory duties under Section 4 of the Police Act 2020. The order would compel the police to summon all individuals last seen with the deceased, including his wife Omowumi Cynthia Aloba, close associates, and his father Joseph Aloba of the Ikorodu area, Lagos. These individuals allegedly buried the deceased hurriedly without obtaining police clearance. The order also seeks the arrest and charging of any persons found directly or indirectly responsible for Mohbad's death.
The court directed the applicant to serve the Originating Summons on the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, listed as the 3rd respondent, through substituted means. Specifically, the processes should be dropped off with any officer at the Legal Department of the NPF at Force Headquarters, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
During Monday's proceedings, the applicant's legal team, led by Chief Tunde Falola, informed the court that all respondents had been duly served with the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/636/2026. Consequently, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter for hearing on May 28.
