The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to force the Nigeria Police Force to reopen investigations into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation lacked the legal standing to bring the action. The foundation had sued the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, asking the court to order a fresh probe into the circumstances surrounding the late singer’s death.
The group claimed the earlier police investigation was inadequate and that some members of Mohbad’s family were not properly questioned. Justice Omotosho rejected the application, noting that the foundation failed to place the original police investigation report before the court. Without that document, the judge said, the court could not determine whether the police had actually failed to investigate the persons mentioned by the applicants.
The court held that the foundation’s claims rested on unsupported assertions and speculation. Justice Omotosho emphasised that judicial relief cannot be granted on unproven allegations.
In a broader remark, the judge criticised lawyers who grant media interviews or post comments on social media about matters still pending before the courts. He warned that such conduct could improperly influence public perception of the evidence and proceedings, and reminded legal practitioners that issues before the court must be addressed through proper legal channels. He further indicated that the court could invoke its contempt powers against lawyers who disregard the warning.
Concluding, Justice Omotosho held that the suit failed both for lack of locus standi and for insufficient evidence. The case was consequently dismissed.
Mohbad died in Lagos on 12 September 2023 at the age of 27.
