The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen investigations into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The foundation had approached the court seeking 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 the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
The organisation argued that the previous police investigation was inadequate and alleged that some individuals, including members of the singer’s family, had not been properly investigated.
However, Justice Omotosho held that the foundation lacked the legal standing to institute the action and failed to provide sufficient evidence to support its claims.
The judge noted that the foundation did not present the report from the earlier police investigation, making it impossible for the court to establish whether the persons identified by the organisation had actually been excluded from the investigation.
According to the court, the claims therefore remained speculative and could not form the basis for ordering a fresh investigation.
The judge also criticised lawyers involved in the case for granting media interviews and making public comments about proceedings while the matter was before the court.
Justice Omotosho warned that such public commentary could influence public perception of evidence and proceedings, stressing that lawyers should present their arguments through the courts rather than the media or social media.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, was filed against the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
Mohbad died in Lagos on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His death generated widespread public concern and calls for investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death. His remains were subsequently exhumed for an autopsy.
The latest judgment means the foundation’s attempt to secure a court-ordered fresh police investigation has been dismissed.
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