by The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has officially fixed July 2, 2025, to deliver judgment in a high-profile legal battle initiated by Mr. Joseph Aloba, father of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Mr. Aloba filed the suit to challenge the legal advice issued by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), which cleared music personalities Naira Marley and Sam Larry of any alleged involvement in the tragic death of his son.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Taiwo Olatokun announced the judgment date after hearing arguments from both the applicant’s legal team and the defense. Representing Mr. Aloba and the Aloba family is Wahab Shittu (SAN), who brought the case against the Lagos State Attorney General and the DPP.
According to Shittu, the DPP’s legal advice was premature and compromised the ongoing coroner’s inquest into Mohbad’s death. He expressed concern that key suspects referenced during the inquest were released based on the advice—even before the inquest reached its conclusion—thereby denying the family a fair hearing and due process.
In response, Ayinde Ibrahim, a legal officer from the DPP’s office, filed a counter-affidavit, stating that the individuals released were merely discharged, not acquitted. He emphasized that the DPP made its decision only after a full review of the police investigation file, and that neither Mr. Aloba nor the Coroner had access to this complete file at the time.
The DPP further stated that the investigation uncovered no credible evidence linking Naira Marley, Sam Larry, or any other named individuals directly or indirectly to Mohbad’s death. The legal review, according to the affidavit, found no factual basis to sustain allegations against the music stars.
Moreover, the defense argued that Mr. Aloba did not submit any new evidence or independent investigation results that could challenge the legal advice or call for its reversal.
With emotions still high among fans, family, and observers, all eyes are now on the Lagos High Court as it prepares to rule on whether the DPP’s legal advice will be upheld or set aside—a decision that may significantly impact the ongoing legal discourse surrounding Mohbad’s controversial death.
The court ruling is expected on Tuesday, July 2, 2025.
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