Aloba Joseph, the father of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, has filed an application before the Lagos High Court in Ikeja seeking a judicial review of the legal advice issued by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This advice had led to the discharge of four prime suspects—Abdul Azeez Fashola (popularly known as Naira Marley), Samson Balogun Eletu (also known as Sam Larry), Owodunni Ibrahim (Prime Boy), and Opere Babatunde—in connection with Mohbad’s death.
The application, filed on March 12 through his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Wahab Shittu, aims to overturn the DPP’s decision, which led to the discharge of the suspects. Mr. Aloba, representing himself and the Aloba family, has named the Attorney General of Lagos and the DPP as respondents in the suit.
In his application, Mr. Aloba contends that the DPP’s advice lacked fair hearing, preempted the ongoing Coroner’s inquest—which has yet to conclude—and prematurely exonerated individuals implicated in the proceedings. He emphasizes that the Coroner’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje, is still in session, and the DPP’s advice undermines the inquest’s integrity.
Previously, on February 25, the DPP had cleared Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Prime Boy, and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde, of any involvement in Mohbad’s death. However, the DPP recommended prosecuting the auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who treated Mohbad, and one of his friends, Ayobami Sadiq, for reckless and negligent acts.
Mr. Aloba’s recent legal action seeks to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation into his son’s death, advocating for due process and justice for Mohbad. He maintains that clearing the suspects without exhausting all legal and investigative avenues sets a dangerous precedent and could undermine public confidence in the justice system. He also urged the authorities to allow the Coroner’s Inquest to conclude before making any final legal determinations. The case has continued to spark widespread public interest, with many Nigerians closely watching how the judicial system handles the matter.
