Court grants NGO leave to reopen Mohbad death probe, urging police to reinvestigate and question key witnesses

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has granted permission to an NGO to seek an order compelling the Inspector-General of Police to reopen the Mohbad death probe.

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The ruling followed an ex-parte motion filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation against the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

The application, moved by Chief Tunde Falola, seeks an order of mandamus directing the police to carry out a fresh and thorough investigation into the death of Ilerioluwa Promise Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice Omotosho granted leave for the NGO to pursue the order, stressing the statutory duty of the police under the Police Act 2020 to enforce laws and ensure justice.

The court directed that all persons last seen with the deceased, including his wife, Omowumi Cynthia Aloba, close associates, and his father, Joseph Aloba, be invited for questioning.

The ruling also permits the police to arrest and prosecute any individual found culpable, based on available evidence.

In addition, the court approved substituted service of court processes on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police through the Inspector-General’s Legal Department in Abuja.

The matter was adjourned to May 4 for hearing.

Mohbad died in September 2023 in Lagos, sparking nationwide outrage and global protests over the circumstances surrounding his death.

In an affidavit supporting the motion, Bright Bassey, a litigation secretary at Tunde Falola & Co, stated that the police had a constitutional duty to ensure justice regardless of status.

Bassey said the NGO’s chairman, Lukmon Fabiyi, described the late singer as a personal friend and raised concerns over alleged gaps in the initial investigation.

He noted that although a nurse was arrested and prosecuted, several key individuals were not fully investigated.

The affidavit further stated that public pressure led to a directive for the case to be reopened and transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.

However, the NGO alleged that the reinvestigation lacked depth and transparency, prompting further legal action.

Letters were subsequently sent to police authorities, demanding a credible and unbiased process, but the group claimed there was no meaningful response.

The foundation argued that the suit became necessary to ensure accountability and justice.

The Mohbad death probe remains a highly sensitive issue, with strong public interest and calls for transparency.