The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 29 for judgment in a fresh suit seeking to compel the police to reopen investigations into the death of musician Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho set the date on Thursday after hearing arguments from counsel to the applicant, Chief Tunde Falola.
The Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, who were listed as the first to third respondents, were not represented in court.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, was filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation.
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, in Lagos State.
When the matter came up on Thursday, none of the respondents appeared before the court.
Falola subsequently adopted all processes filed on behalf of the plaintiff and urged the court to grant the reliefs being sought.
The court also entertained an application for joinder filed by Mr. Samson Obaboye.
Obaboye told the court that he supported calls for truth, transparency, accountability and justice over the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and wanted to present relevant facts in the case.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that the applicant failed to establish sufficient legal interest to justify his inclusion in the suit.
The court had earlier granted the NGO leave to institute the action through an ex-parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus directing 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 maintained that several critical issues and possible leads were not thoroughly explored.
According to him, the organisation is particularly interested in individuals who were reportedly among the last people seen with the late singer.
He insisted that their roles deserve further examination.
“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 matter as a mandamus proceeding intended to compel the police to revisit the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
Commenting on the failed joinder bid, Falola argued that the applicant had not shown any direct interest in the case.
