Lagos Court Dismisses Mohbad’s Father’s Application to Overturn DPP’s Advice Freeing Naira Marley, Sam Larry and Others

The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has rejected an application filed by Mr. Joseph Aloba, the father of the late Nigerian singer Mohbad, seeking to overturn the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) that led to the release of Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others previously linked to his son’s death.

In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, June 26, Justice Taiwo Olatokun affirmed that the Lagos State Attorney General acted lawfully in exercising his prosecutorial powers and upheld the DPP’s legal decision. The judge noted that the court could not interfere with the prosecutorial discretion of the Attorney General or his delegates.

As a result, Mr. Aloba’s application was dismissed in its entirety.

Displeased With the Ruling

Despite the outcome, Mr. Joseph Aloba, who was present in court with other supporters, expressed dissatisfaction. His legal representative, Wahab Shittu (SAN), announced their intention to file an appeal, maintaining that his client had not received fair hearing.

Mr. Aloba had earlier argued that the DPP's advice, which cleared Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and a few others, pre-empted the ongoing Coroner’s inquest into the true cause of Mohbad’s death. He claimed that individuals implicated in the Coroner’s proceedings were hastily released without full consideration.

Government’s Response

In a counter-affidavit submitted on June 24, Ayinde Ibrahim, a legal officer in the DPP’s office, explained that the suspects were only discharged, not acquitted, based on the evidence available in the criminal case file. He added that the Coroner and Mr. Aloba were not privy to certain information in the file, which informed the DPP's advice.

The DPP further stated that there was no sufficient evidence directly or indirectly linking Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Prime Boy, or Opere Babatunde to Mohbad’s death.

Background

Mohbad, a rising star in the Nigerian music scene, died under controversial circumstances in September 2023, prompting widespread outrage and calls for justice. His death led to police investigations, arrests, and a Coroner’s inquest, which is still ongoing.

This latest ruling represents a major legal setback for Mr. Aloba’s efforts to reopen investigations into those previously named in connection with his son’s death.