Lagos Court to Rule on Mohbad Case July 2 as Aloba Family Challenges DPP’s Decision

The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja will deliver its judgment on July 2, 2025, in a lawsuit filed by Joseph Aloba, father of the late singer Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba). The case contests the legal advice that exonerated music figures Naira Marley and Sam Larry from allegations linked to the artist’s death. 

Justice Taiwo Olatokun set the ruling date after hearing arguments from both legal teams. Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Wahab Shittu, the Aloba family is challenging the Lagos State Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), claiming the DPP’s clearance of suspects undermined the ongoing coroner’s inquest. 

Shittu argued that the DPP’s legal advice—issued before the inquest concluded—led to the release of individuals named in the investigation, denying the family due process. The DPP, represented by legal officer Ayinde Ibrahim, countered that those released were merely discharged, not acquitted, and maintained that its assessment of police findings found no credible evidence tying Naira Marley, Sam Larry, or others to Mohbad’s death. 

The prosecution office further stated that neither the Aloba family nor the coroner had reviewed the full case file when the legal advice was issued. It also noted that the applicant failed to provide new evidence warranting a reversal of the decision. 

The court’s upcoming ruling will determine whether to uphold or nullify the DPP’s legal advice and clarify its impact on the wider investigation into Mohbad’s tragic passing.