Lagos High Court Case: Family Of Mohbad Seeks Justice Against DPP’s Decision

Family of Late Mohbad Challenges DPP’s Decision in Lagos High Court

Listen, let me break this down for you. The father of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba—better known as Mohbad—Joseph Aloba, has taken a bold step. He’s filed an application at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja, asking for a judicial review of the legal advice given by the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). This is serious stuff, folks. The decision by the DPP led to the discharge of four key suspects tied to Mohbad’s death: Abdul Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), Samson Balogun Eletu (Sam Larry), Owodunni Ibrahim (Prime Boy), and Opere Babatunde.

Why Is Joseph Aloba Taking This Step?

Joseph Aloba, through his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Wahab Shittu, filed this application on March 12. He’s not just doing this for himself—he’s fighting for the entire Aloba family. Aloba argues that the DPP’s advice was unfair, rushed, and influenced the Coroner’s inquest, which is still ongoing. These are heavy accusations. He’s saying that the individuals implicated in the proceedings were let off too easily, without the process being allowed to fully play out.

What’s the Background on This Case?

Let’s rewind a bit. On September 11, 2025, Mohbad tragically passed away under what many considered unnatural and suspicious circumstances. This prompted Joseph Aloba to demand an inquest into his son’s death. The Coroner’s proceedings started on September 23, 2023, but here’s the kicker: despite the inquest still being unresolved, the suspects were discharged on February 26, 2025, by Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje of the Yaba Magistrate Court. This decision was based on the DPP’s advice.

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Key Points from Aloba’s Argument

Aloba claims he only became aware of the DPP’s legal advice when the suspects were being discharged in court. He points out that these suspects—Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Prime Boy, and Opere Babatunde—were mentioned and implicated in the Coroner’s proceedings but hadn’t even appeared before the inquest. Here’s how Aloba put it: “While the proceeding is yet to be concluded by the Coroner’s Court, Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje, sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court on the 26th of February 2025 and acting on the legal advice of the respondents, discharged and acquitted the 4 prime suspects.”

Criticisms of the Police and DPP’s Actions

Aloba also criticized the police for sending their investigation report to the DPP without keeping the Coroner’s Court in the loop. According to him, the Police, through ASP Mohammed Yusuf of the Homicide Section, and the DPP’s legal team participated in the Coroner’s proceedings. Despite this involvement, the police forwarded the case to the DPP without informing the Coroner’s Court. Aloba argues that this move by the DPP obstructed the Coroner’s statutory duties, stating, “The act or omission of the respondents is without due regard to the Coroner’s Court, which constitutes an obstruction of the Coroner in the exercise of its statutory duties.”

Concerns About the DPP’s Premature Advice

Aloba strongly believes that the DPP’s decision to issue legal advice before the Coroner’s inquest concluded undermines the entire process. He argues, “The respondents’ failure to allow the Coroner to conclude its proceeding and proceeding to issue the legal advice is preempting the outcome of the decision of the Coroner and is done without jurisdiction and is null and void.” He further explains that this advice could influence the Coroner’s final findings, stating, “The act or omission of the respondents issuing legal advice in respect of the matter upon which an inquest is being conducted amounts to obstructing and interfering with the Coroner’s investigation and potentially influencing the outcome.”

What’s Next for the Case?

Aloba insists that allowing the DPP’s advice to stand would compromise the integrity of the inquest. He argues that the DPP’s actions are an overreach into the Coroner’s power to investigate suspicious and unnatural deaths. He’s calling on the court to intervene, warning that without action, justice for Mohbad’s death could be jeopardized. As he put it, “The applicant needs the intervention of this Honourable Court to get justice for the death of his son. Otherwise, allowing the legal advice from the respondents to stand may automatically put an end to the seriousness of the Coroner’s Court and its proceedings.”

Where Does the Case Stand Now?

According to Naija News, no judge has been assigned to hear the application yet, and no date has been set for the case. This means we’re still waiting to see how the legal system will address these concerns. It’s a crucial moment for the Aloba family and the broader Nigerian legal community. Everyone is watching to see how justice will be served.