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| Photo credit — Mohbad |
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen its investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the organisation that filed the suit lacked the legal standing (locus standi) required to bring the action.
The case was filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation against the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command. The foundation had asked the court for an order directing the police to conduct a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
The applicants argued that the initial police investigation was incomplete and that some members of the late singer’s family had not been adequately questioned. However, Justice Omotosho noted that the foundation failed to place the earlier police investigation report before the court. Without that report, the court said it could not determine whether the police had failed to investigate the persons named by the applicants.
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The judge held that the claims rested on assertions that were not supported by sufficient evidence and that the court could not grant the reliefs sought on the basis of speculation or unproven allegations.
Justice Omotosho also cautioned lawyers against granting media interviews or posting comments on social media about matters that are still pending before the courts. He warned that such actions risk influencing public perception of the evidence and proceedings, and reminded practitioners that cases should be addressed through proper legal channels.
The court indicated it could invoke its contempt powers against lawyers who disregard this warning.
In conclusion, the judge dismissed the suit on the dual grounds that the applicant lacked locus standi and that the claims were not supported by adequate evidence.
Mohbad died in Lagos on 12 September 2023 at the age of 27. His death remains a matter of public interest in Nigeria, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding it have previously been the subject of official and public scrutiny.
Chioma Adeyemi is an entertainment and music writer at Naijapiz. She covers Nigerian music, celebrity news, Nollywood, Big Brother Naija, and lifestyle.
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