Key Takeaways
- The Break The Silence Foundation has formally rejected the Federal High Court, Abuja's judgment concerning the re-investigation into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Promise Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
- The foundation, led by Yomi Fabiyi, asserts its commitment to pursuing justice for Mohbad and plans to explore all available legal avenues.
- The suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/636/2026, sought judicial intervention to support a stalled re-investigation, not to compel prosecution.
- The foundation claims new leads and an alleged failure by the police to present a 2025 re-investigation report from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) warrant further action.
- Eight persons were reportedly implicated in the alleged murder and other related offenses, with three suspects, including Mohbad's fiancée, having been arrested and subsequently granted bail.
The quest for justice surrounding the untimely death of Nigerian music sensation, Ilerioluwa Promise Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, has taken another turn as the Break The Silence Foundation publicly rejected a recent judgment by the Federal High Court, Abuja. The foundation, a prominent human rights organization, has declared its unwavering commitment to ensuring a thorough re-investigation into the circumstances of the singer's passing, promising to exhaust all legal pathways.
In a statement signed by its Convener and President, Yomi Fabiyi, the foundation expressed its appreciation for the court's audience but unequivocally stated, 'We reject the ruling/judgment in its entirety.' This stance underscores the organization's belief that the court's decision does not align with their pursuit of what they term 'authentic justice' for the late artist, whose death in September 2023 sparked widespread public outcry and demands for a comprehensive inquiry.
The Legal Battle for Re-Investigation
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/636/2026, was filed against the Inspector-General of Police and other parties. According to the foundation, Justice James Omotosho had, in April 2025, granted it leave to proceed with and serve the originating summons on the defendants. This initial grant of leave signified the court's acknowledgment of the foundation's standing to bring the matter forward.
The Break The Silence Foundation clarified that its primary objective was not to compel the police to prosecute specific individuals. Instead, it sought judicial intervention to support and invigorate the re-investigation into Mohbad's death, which it alleges has stalled. 'We did not ask his Lordship to prosecute. The suit simply asks that the court adds her authority to the re-investigation into Mohbad’s matter ongoing but stalling,' the statement elaborated.
A core argument presented by the foundation is the legal principle that murder and other criminal matters have no statute of limitations. This means that irrespective of the time elapsed, the opportunity for further investigation remains open under the law until justice is served. This legal position forms the bedrock of their continued advocacy, emphasizing that 'Until Mohbad gets justice, it is still open to re-investigation under the law.'
Allegations of Stalled Inquiry and New Leads
The foundation claims to have presented new leads before the court, which it believes warranted an order of mandamus – a judicial writ compelling an official to perform a duty. Central to their allegations is the assertion that the police failed to present a 2025 re-investigation report compiled by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja. This report, they allege, was completed by June 2025, following a directive from the Presidency in May 2025.
Further claims by the foundation suggest that the FCID report implicated eight persons in the alleged murder, with other suspected offenses including theft, criminal conspiracy, and concealment of evidence. Among these eight, three suspects, including Omowunmi Cynthia Adebanjo, identified as Mohbad’s fiancée, were reportedly arrested in October and November 2025 after warrants were issued. These individuals were subsequently granted bail.
The alleged delays and discrepancies in the ongoing investigation prompted the foundation to approach the court, seeking an order to compel the police to arrest the remaining five suspects and formally charge them. The group firmly believes that 'justice for Mohbad is crucial and every consideration and good conscience should encourage every means and not suppress it.'
Despite the recent judgment, the foundation maintains that the ruling does not 'stop or deny Mohbad’s case of its imminent and deserving justice.' Yomi Fabiyi confirmed that the foundation’s Board of Trustees would convene to deliberate on their next steps and explore alternative legal pathways to continue their pursuit of justice for the late singer.
Why This Matters
This development highlights the persistent public demand for transparency and accountability in high-profile cases, particularly those involving beloved public figures. The Break The Silence Foundation's resolve to challenge the court's decision underscores the critical role civil society organizations play in advocating for justice when official processes are perceived as stalled or inadequate, ensuring that the memory of Mohbad and the quest for truth remain at the forefront of public discourse.