Abuja: The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a non-governmental organization (NGO) permission to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the Inspector-General of Police to re-investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of musician Mohbad.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Justice James Omotosho issued the ruling on an ex-parte motion moved by Chief Tunde Falola, representing the NGO Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation. The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, was filed against the I-G, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
The NGO sought three reliefs, all of which were granted by the judge. The late Ilerioluwa Promise Oladimeji Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, passed away in September 2023 in Lagos State.
Justice Omotosho allowed the NGO to apply for an order of mandamus that would compel the respondents to fulfill their statutory duties as outlined in Section 4 of the Police Act 2020. The police have been directed to invite all individuals last seen with Mohbad, including his wife, Omowumi Cynthia Aloba, and close associates, as well as his father, Joseph Aloba of Ikorodu Area, Lagos. The order also grants the police the authority to arrest and charge anyone found to be directly or indirectly responsible for Mohbad’s death.
The judge further authorized the NGO to serve the originating summons on the Lagos Police Commissioner by delivering it to any officer at the I-G’s Legal Department Office at Force Headquarters in Abuja, deeming it proper service. The matter has been adjourned until May 4 for hearing.
NAN reports that the affidavit supporting the motion was submitted by Bright Bassey, a Litigation Secretary at Tunde Falola and Co, on behalf of the NGO’s Chairman, Mr. Lukmon Fabiyi. Bassey stated that the police are responsible for ensuring the enforcement of laws and justice for all citizens.
He noted that Fabiyi, a personal friend of Mohbad, highlighted the widespread public protests from Nigeria to Europe, America, and Asia following the musician’s death, amid suspicions that it was not natural. The police had initially arrested and prosecuted a nurse who reportedly treated Mohbad before his death, but several stakeholders, including human rights groups, believed the investigation was incomplete.
In response, the NGO petitioned the Office of the President of Nigeria, alleging foul play in the investigation, which led to a directive for a comprehensive re-investigation by the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja. The NGO requested the inclusion of Joseph Aloba in the investigation through a letter dated January 14 and sought a thorough investigation.
Despite these efforts, Bassey alleged that the police failed to conduct a proper re-investigation, prompting the NGO to file the suit. The NGO maintains that it is their constitutional duty to ensure justice for the deceased.