Mohbad death reinvestigation suit advances as court fixes May 28 hearing to decide on reopening police probe

The Federal High Court has fixed May 28 for hearing in a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen an investigation into the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, nearly three years after the incident sparked nationwide outrage.

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Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter on Monday after counsel for the applicant confirmed that all respondents had been duly served with court processes.

The respondents in the Mohbad death reinvestigation suit include the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.

The case was instituted by the Break the Silence Foundation, which is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the police to carry out what it described as a thorough, diligent, and impartial reinvestigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death in September 2023.

At the resumed proceedings, counsel for the applicant, Tunde Falola, informed the court that all parties in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/636/2026 had been properly served.

Following the submission, the court fixed May 28 for substantive hearing.

The court had earlier granted the organisation leave to initiate the action under provisions of the Police Act 2020, which outlines the statutory duties of the police.

Among the reliefs sought is an order compelling the police to invite individuals who were last seen with the deceased, including his wife, Omowumi Cynthia Aloba, close associates, and his father, Joseph Aloba, particularly over the circumstances surrounding his burial.

The applicant is also asking the court to direct authorities to arrest and prosecute any individual found culpable if evidence establishes responsibility for the death.

In an earlier ruling delivered on April 15, Justice Omotosho granted leave for the suit to proceed and approved substituted service on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, directing that documents be served at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Mohbad’s death in September 2023 triggered widespread protests and the viral #Justice4Mohbad campaign, with many Nigerians alleging foul play and criticising the handling of the investigation.

Also read: Joseph Aloba Demands Prosecution over Mohbad’s Death

Despite the passage of time, the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death remain unresolved, making the upcoming hearing a potentially decisive moment in the pursuit of accountability.