ABUJA — A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen its investigation into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation. The non-governmental organisation had asked the court for an order of mandamus directing the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to conduct a fresh probe into the circumstances of the late musician’s death.
The judge held that the applicant lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to institute the action and that the suit was devoid of merit. He stated that the court would not be drawn into speculation without concrete proof, noting that the foundation failed to attach the report of the earlier police investigation to support its claims that key individuals had not been properly examined.
“This suit is therefore without credible evidence and thus without merit,” Justice Omotosho said. He further criticised lawyers for filing what he described as frivolous and baseless cases that consume valuable court time better reserved for serious matters, and cautioned against media comments on pending cases.
None of the respondents appeared in court during the proceedings. The foundation had earlier obtained leave to commence the judicial review action, arguing that the initial investigation was incomplete and that the circumstances of Mohbad’s death remained mysterious.
Mohbad, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s music scene, died on September 12, 2023, in Lagos. His death triggered widespread public concern, protests, an autopsy after his body was exhumed, and sustained calls for accountability.
The dismissal brings an end to this particular legal bid for a fresh police investigation nearly three years after the singer’s death.
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