Court to Rule on Mohbad’s Father’s Bid to Reopen Case Against Naira Marley
Court Sets July 2 for Ruling on Mohbad’s Father’s Bid to Reopen Case Against Naira Marley, Sam Larry
The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has fixed July 2, 2025, to deliver its ruling on an application filed by Joseph Aloba, the father of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
The application seeks to challenge the legal advice issued by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which had cleared music promoter Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, popularly known as Sam Larry, and Afrobeats artist Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, of any criminal liability in the controversial death of the 27-year-old musician.
Mr. Aloba is requesting the court to compel the DPP to revisit its conclusion, alleging that the investigation into his son’s death was inconclusive and failed to consider critical pieces of evidence, including witness testimonies and the deceased’s prior reports of harassment and threats to his life.
The legal advice issued by the DPP last year had sparked outrage among Mohbad’s fans and rights activists, who believe that the circumstances surrounding his sudden demise in September 2023 were suspicious and warranted further scrutiny.
The police autopsy report, which was inconclusive, only deepened public frustration.
In his suit, Mr. Aloba is asking the court to set aside the DPP’s recommendation, arguing that it did not reflect the depth of trauma and mental distress allegedly inflicted on his son before his death. He contends that the actions of certain individuals, including those named in his application, may have played a role in the events leading up to Mohbad’s demise, either directly or indirectly.
The trial judge, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned proceedings until July 2 for ruling on whether the case should be reopened for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Observers say the upcoming ruling could mark a significant turning point in the high-profile case, which has attracted national attention and led to widespread calls for justice in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
