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 its investigation into the death of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Thursday after hearing arguments from counsel to the applicant, Chief Tunde Falola.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, was filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation against the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
The NGO is seeking an order of mandamus directing the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
Mohbad died in Lagos State on September 12, 2023.
When the matter came up for hearing, none of the respondents was represented in court. Falola thereafter adopted all the processes filed on behalf of the foundation and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.
The court also heard an application by Mr Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined as a party in the suit.
Obaboye told the court that he supported calls for truth, transparency, accountability and justice over the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death, adding that he wished to present relevant facts before the court.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, holding that Obaboye failed to establish sufficient legal interest in the matter to warrant his joinder.
The court had earlier granted the foundation leave to commence the action through an ex-parte application for judicial review and an order of mandamus.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Falola said the organisation approached the court because it was dissatisfied with the outcome of the earlier police investigation.
He said several critical aspects and possible leads were not adequately explored, particularly concerning people reportedly among the last individuals seen with the late singer.
“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,” Falola said.
Falola described the case as a mandamus proceeding aimed at compelling the police to revisit the investigation into the cause of Mohbad’s death.
He also argued that Obaboye did not demonstrate a direct legal interest in the case.