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The Break the Silence Foundation has rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissing its suit seeking a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
The foundation, which instituted the legal action against the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, maintained that the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death still require further investigation.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had dismissed the suit, holding that the applicant lacked the legal standing to institute the action and failed to provide sufficient evidence to support its claim that the earlier police investigation was inadequate.
The court noted that the foundation had alleged that some key individuals, including members of Mohbad’s family, were not adequately investigated during the earlier probe. However, the judge said the applicant failed to produce the original investigation report to establish the claim.
Justice Omotosho consequently described the claims as speculative and held that assertions without supporting evidence could not form the basis for granting the reliefs sought.
The court also criticised lawyers involved in the matter for granting media interviews and making social media posts while the case was pending, warning that such conduct could affect public perception of evidence before the court.
However, the foundation has rejected the outcome and maintained that its concerns over the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death remain unresolved.
The group is insisting that the case deserves renewed attention and that a fresh, credible investigation should be conducted to address outstanding questions surrounding the singer’s death.
Mohbad died in Lagos on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His death generated widespread public concern and calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding it.
The latest development comes amid continued calls from civil society groups for an independent and transparent investigation. In August, the United Advocates Group also called for a fresh police team to handle the re-investigation, arguing that officers who participated in the earlier investigation should not be responsible for reviewing the same issues.
The foundation’s position keeps alive the demand for further scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death, despite the court’s dismissal of the particular suit seeking to compel the police to reopen the investigation.
