A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday set September 29 for a ruling in a new lawsuit to force the police to restart investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mohbad
After hearing Chief Tunde Falola’s attorney’s argument, Justice James Omotosho set the date.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Nigeria Police Force, who were sued as first through third respondents, did not show up for the case.
An NGO, Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation, had filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026.
On September 12, 2023, the late Mohbad passed away in Lagos State.
None of the respondents was present in court on Thursday when the case was called. Falola then urged the court to grant the requested remedy, adopting all the procedures submitted on the plaintiff’s side.
Additionally, the court heard an application from Mr Samson Obaboye, who wanted to be included in the case.
Obaboye informed the court that he wanted to present pertinent information and that he backed calls for justice, accountability, truth, and transparency regarding the circumstances behind Mohbad’s death.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, holding that the applicant failed to establish a sufficient legal interest in the case to warrant his joinder.
ALSO READ: Mohbad’s Widow, Wunmi, Allegedly Welcomes A Child
The court had earlier granted leave to the NGO to commence the action through an ex-parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus compelling the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the singer’s death.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Falola said the foundation approached the court because it was dissatisfied with the outcome of the earlier police investigation.
He stated that several critical aspects and possible leads were not adequately explored.
According to him, the organisation is particularly concerned about individuals who were reportedly among the last people seen with the deceased.
He insisted that their roles require further scrutiny.
“The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention.
“As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation,” Falola said.
He described the suit as a mandamus proceeding aimed at compelling the police to revisit the investigation into the cause of Mohbad’s death.
Commenting on the failed joinder application, Falola argued that the applicant had not demonstrated any direct interest in the case.
