The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has scheduled July 2, 2025, to rule on a suit filed by Joseph Aloba, father of the late singer Mohbad, challenging the legal advice that led to the release of music personalities Naira Marley and Sam Larry from allegations related to Mohbad’s death. The suit argues that the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) decision to discharge the suspects was premature and interfered with the ongoing coroner’s inquest, denying the family a fair hearing.
Senior Advocate Wahab Shittu, representing the Aloba family, contended that some suspects mentioned during the coroner’s proceedings were released based on the DPP’s advice before the inquest reached a conclusion. The respondents, including the Attorney General of Lagos State and the DPP, maintain that the suspects were discharged—not acquitted—and that the DPP acted within its statutory mandate following police investigations.
The DPP’s office further asserted there was no credible evidence linking Naira Marley, Sam Larry, or others named in the suit to Mohbad’s death. They also argued that the applicant failed to present new evidence or engage independent investigators that would justify setting aside the legal advice.
Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, died on September 12, 2023, under circumstances that remain unclear despite investigations. The police exhumed his body for autopsy, but toxicology results were inconclusive. The case has involved multiple agencies, with allegations of harassment and mistreatment surfacing after his death.
Naira Marley and Sam Larry were initially arrested and detained for over a month before being granted bail in November 2023. They were later discharged by the court following the DPP’s legal advice. However, the auxiliary nurse who administered injections to Mohbad and one of his friends are facing prosecution for reckless and negligent acts.
The court’s forthcoming judgment will determine whether the legal advice that freed Naira Marley and Sam Larry should be upheld or overturned, potentially impacting the ongoing legal discourse surrounding Mohbad’s death.
