The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruled that the applicant lacked the legal standing to institute the suit and that the case was without sufficient merit.
The suit, filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation, sought an order of mandamus compelling the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, to conduct a fresh investigation into Mohbad’s death.
The court noted that although the organisation claimed the police had previously investigated the case but failed to conduct a thorough inquiry, it did not provide the report from the earlier investigation to support its claims.
Justice Omotosho said the absence of the report meant there was no concrete evidence to establish whether certain individuals, including members of Mohbad’s family, had been investigated.
The judge described the claims as speculative and held that assertions without evidence could not form the basis for granting the reliefs sought.
Mohbad died in Lagos on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His death generated widespread public concern and calls for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding it.
Justice Omotosho also criticised lawyers involved in the case for granting media interviews and making social media comments while the matter was before the court.
He warned that lawyers should avoid discussing pending cases publicly, noting that such actions could influence public perception of evidence and proceedings.
The court ultimately dismissed the suit for lack of legal standing and for being without merit.
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