Federal High Court in Abuja has granted approval to a civil society organisation to initiate legal action aimed at compelling the police to reopen investigations into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho gave the nod on Wednesday while ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the group, Break the Silence Foundation, through its counsel, Tunde Falola.

The suit seeks an order of mandamus directing the Inspector-General of Police and other respondents to carry out a fresh and comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the artist’s death.

The organisation had sued the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police in a motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, filed in February.

The court granted all three reliefs sought, effectively allowing the group to proceed with the substantive case.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho directed that the police, in conducting any renewed investigation, should invite individuals who were last seen with the deceased, including his wife, Omowumi Cynthia Aloba, close associates, and his father, Joseph Aloba. The court also stated that law enforcement authorities may arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable, based on evidence.

The judge further approved substituted service of court documents on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police through the Force Headquarters in Abuja and adjourned the matter to May 4 for hearing.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, sparking widespread public outcry and calls for justice. He was buried the following day but later exhumed for an autopsy on September 21. However, the cause of death has remained inconclusive, fuelling ongoing controversy and delaying his final burial.

The case has been further complicated by disputes within the family, including questions raised by the late singer’s father over the paternity of his grandson and the legality of Mohbad’s relationship with his partner.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the application, the NGO argued that the initial police investigation was flawed and failed to adequately question key individuals connected to the case. The group maintained that several stakeholders, including human rights advocates, have expressed concerns over the integrity of the earlier probe.

The affidavit, deposed to by a litigation secretary in Falola’s law firm, stated that the organisation had previously petitioned relevant authorities, including the Presidency, alleging foul play. It added that although a reinvestigation was reportedly initiated and transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja, concerns remain over the thoroughness of the process.

The group also claimed it made formal requests to police authorities in both Abuja and Lagos for a more transparent and impartial investigation but received no satisfactory response, prompting the legal action.

The matter continues to draw public attention nearly three years after the singer’s death, with differing views among stakeholders and no definitive conclusion reached on the cause of death.