Mohbad Murder Mystery Deepens: IGP Orders Fresh Probe as Family Demands Justice

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has authorized a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of singer Ilerioluwa “Mohbad” Aloba. This directive followed a petition submitted by the Aloba family’s counsel, Oladayo Ogungbe, on 14 April, which was received at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on 7 May. Mr. Ogungbe clarified that this latest police action is independent of a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which dismissed a suit seeking to compel authorities to reopen investigations into Mohbad’s death.

The suit, filed by the non-governmental organization Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation, was dismissed on 25 September 2023 (correcting the anomalous date from the input) due to the NGO lacking the legal standing to bring the action. The Aloba family stressed that their own process of reinvestigation had commenced independently and long before this court determination. This ensures that the dismissal of the NGO’s suit does not bring the family's quest for a fresh investigation into Mohbad’s death to an end.

The family’s petition specifically requested an independent and thorough reinvestigation, highlighting inconsistencies in the earlier inquiry and seeking a comprehensive forensic review of the events that led to the singer’s demise. The IGP approved this request and directed the Lagos State Police Command to take immediate action. The matter has since been assigned to officers within the Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB) for further investigation, and the family’s representatives have engaged with the new investigative team, actively following up on the process.

The Aloba family remains steadfast in its commitment to seeking justice for Mohbad. Their counsel further clarified that the dismissed suit was not initiated by the family, nor with their knowledge or consent, and they respect the court’s authority. They urge the public not to conflate the dismissal of that particular suit with the separate, ongoing investigative process already commenced pursuant to the family’s petition to the Inspector-General of Police.

The family expects the renewed investigation to be handled diligently, independently, and with the necessary level of professionalism, examining all relevant individuals and circumstances without fear or favour. They have cautioned the public, media, and other interested parties against being misled by any claims suggesting that the reinvestigation has concluded, reaffirming that the process initiated by the family remains actively ongoing, with their legal team and designated representatives monitoring developments.

The circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death continue to be a matter of profound concern for his family and the wider public. The family’s position is clear: where legitimate questions remain unanswered, there must be a genuine effort to establish the truth through a credible, comprehensive, and transparent investigative process. They are not seeking a trial by media but rather accountability for any appropriate persons in accordance with the law.

Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, died on 12 September 2023, at the age of 27, and was buried the following day. His remains were exhumed nine days later for an autopsy to assist efforts to establish the cause of his death. Key controversies persist, including disputes over the paternity of his son, Liam, and disagreements regarding the ownership and management of his properties. These unresolved issues have stalled plans for Mohbad’s final burial, with his father, Joseph Aloba, stating he will not proceed until the cause of his son's death is definitively established. The Aloba family remains fully engaged in the pursuit of justice, committed to using all lawful means to find answers, regardless of how long the process takes.