Court to deliver ruling in Mohbad-related legal dispute in July
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Lagos Court to Rule July 2 in Mohbad Death Case Filed by Late Singer’s Father
The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has scheduled July 2, 2025, as the date for delivering its judgment in a highly sensitive legal case brought forward by Mr. Joseph Aloba, father of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad.
At the heart of the suit is a challenge to the legal advice issued by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which cleared music personalities Naira Marley and Sam Larry of any criminal involvement in Mohbad’s controversial death.
Background of the Case
The case, filed on behalf of the Aloba family, is led by respected legal expert Wahab Shittu (SAN). It targets both the Lagos State Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecution, raising questions about the integrity and fairness of the legal process surrounding the investigation into Mohbad’s demise.
During a recent court session, presided over by Justice Taiwo Olatokun, the judge fixed the July 2 ruling date after hearing final arguments from legal representatives on both sides.
Shittu, speaking for the family, argued that the legal advice from the DPP was issued prematurely, effectively influencing the coroner’s inquest that is still ongoing.
According to him, the advice resulted in the release of key suspects mentioned in connection with the singer’s death—despite the fact that the coroner had not yet concluded its findings. He claimed this undermined the fairness of the process and denied the family the opportunity for a full and impartial investigation.
In response, the DPP’s office submitted a counter-affidavit through legal officer Ayinde Ibrahim, asserting that those released were merely discharged, not acquitted, and that the Directorate acted strictly within its legal mandate after a careful review of the police investigation file.
The DPP emphasized that, at the time of issuing the legal advice, neither Mr. Aloba nor the coroner had full access to the case file. Furthermore, the DPP argued that no credible evidence had been presented linking Naira Marley, Sam Larry, or any other individual to the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
Quoting the affidavit:
“A thorough legal review revealed no facts connecting them directly or indirectly to the death.”
The prosecution also maintained that Mr. Aloba had not presented any new evidence or independent investigative findings that could challenge or overturn the legal position already taken by the DPP.
What to Expect on July 2
On July 2, 2025, the court will rule on whether to uphold or nullify the DPP’s legal advice, a decision that could significantly impact the course of ongoing and future legal proceedings regarding Mohbad’s death.
The judgment is expected to address:
Whether the legal advice was lawfully and appropriately issued,
If it unfairly interfered with the coroner’s inquest,
And whether any further investigation or legal action is warranted based on existing or new evidence.
The outcome will be closely watched by the public, the entertainment industry, and legal observers alike, as it could redefine accountability and transparency in high-profile cases involving public figures.
