The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an NGO permission to seek a court order compelling the Inspector-General of Police to re-investigate the death of popular Nigerian musician Ilerioluwa Promise Oladimeji Aloba, widely known as Mohbad. Justice James Omotosho made the ruling on Wednesday, allowing the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation to apply for an order of mandamus to ensure the police fulfill their statutory duties under Section 4 of the Police Act 2020. The court’s decision comes amid growing public demand for justice following Mohbad’s death in September 2023 in Lagos State.
The NGO, represented by lawyer Chief Tunde Falola, filed the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026 on February 24, naming the I-G of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, as respondents. The application, dated February 23, sought three reliefs, all of which were granted by the court. Justice Omotosho specifically directed the police to invite key individuals who were last seen with Mohbad, including his wife, Omowumi Cynthia Aloba, close associates, and his father, Joseph Aloba of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The judge also authorized the police to arrest and charge anyone found to be directly or indirectly responsible for Mohbad’s death if evidence supports such action. Additionally, the court permitted the NGO to serve the originating summons on the Lagos police commissioner by delivering a copy to any officer at the I-G’s Legal Department Office at Force Headquarters in Abuja, treating it as valid service. The matter has been adjourned to May 4 for further hearing.
The affidavit in support of the motion was deposed to by Bright Bassey, a Litigation Secretary at Tunde Falola & Co, acting on behalf of the NGO’s Chairman, Mr. Lukmon Fabiyi. Bassey stated that Mohbad’s death sparked widespread protests across Nigeria and internationally, with many believing the cause of death was not natural. He noted that although the police initially arrested and prosecuted a nurse linked to Mohbad’s injury, credible stakeholders, including human rights groups, maintained the investigation was incomplete and compromised.
The NGO had previously petitioned the Office of the President, leading to a directive to reopen the investigation and transfer it to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja for a fresh, unbiased probe. However, the NGO claims the case was later moved back to the Lagos State Police Command without proper follow-up. Despite sending letters on January 14 and February 6 requesting a thorough re-investigation, including the inclusion of Mohbad’s father, the police failed to act, prompting the legal action.
Bassey emphasized that it is the NGO’s constitutional duty to ensure justice for Mohbad, and the court’s ruling affirms the public’s right to accountability in cases of suspicious deaths. The case underscores the importance of transparency and thoroughness in police investigations, especially in high-profile cases involving public figures. As the legal process moves forward, Nigerians will be watching closely for answers about the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
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