A Lagos High Court in Ikeja has dismissed a case brought by Joseph Aloba, the father of late musician Mohbad (real name Ilerioluwa Aloba).
He was challenging the decision that cleared Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others of any involvement in his son’s death.
On Wednesday, Justice Taiwo Olatokun ruled that the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), acting on behalf of the Lagos State attorney general, was valid and could not be questioned.
The judge explained that the attorney general has the right to decide whether or not to proceed with a case, and that that power was exercised correctly.
Aloba, through his lawyer, Wahab Shittu, argued that the legal advice was premature, since an investigation into Mohbad’s death was still ongoing, claiming that it denied both him and the public a fair opportunity to be heard.
In response to the ruling, Shittu mentioned that they plan to appeal the decision: “My client is ready to challenge this judgment.”
In October 2023, the DPP had cleared Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and two others due to insufficient evidence linking them to Mohbad’s death.
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However, the DPP stated that though they were not being prosecuted, they were not completely cleared of any wrongdoing either.
Mohbad died under mysterious circumstances on September 12, 2023, just months after a public falling out with his record label, Marlian Music, which is owned by Naira Marley.
His unexpected death at the age of 27 sparked widespread outrage, with many accusing his former associates of bullying and mistreatment.
Following the public outcry, the Lagos State government ordered an official investigation, resulting in the arrest of several suspects.
During a court hearing in May, a representative from the DPP explained that their decision was based solely on the criminal case details and did not depend on the ongoing investigation into Mohbad’s death.
