The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has granted Mr. Joseph Aloba, the father of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba (known as Mohbad), the right to challenge the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decision to clear singer Azeez Fashola (aka Naira Marley) and others in connection with his son’s death.
Justice Taiwo Olatokun, presiding over the case, gave Aloba permission on Friday to seek a judicial review. The court also directed that the motion be served to the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, along with the hearing notice and order.
In an ex parte motion filed by his lawyer, Wahab Shittu, SAN, Aloba sought to annul the DPP’s legal advice, which led to the release of Naira Marley, Samson Eletu (aka Sam Larry), Owodunni Ibrahim (aka Prime Boy), and Babatunde Pere. Aloba argued that the advice was both premature and unlawful.
He emphasized that the DPP’s decision was made before the ongoing coroner’s inquest into Mohbad’s controversial death was concluded.
Aloba pointed out that the coroner’s inquest, which started on September 29, 2023, had not finished its proceedings when the DPP made its decision.
He noted that despite this, the Yaba Magistrate Court, acting on the DPP’s advice, acquitted and discharged the four primary suspects, including Naira Marley, on February 26, 2025.
Aloba also revealed that individuals called by the Coroner’s Court had been released prematurely without providing testimony about their roles in the investigation.
He accused both the police and DPP of obstructing the coroner’s inquest by failing to inform the court of the legal advice issued, leading to the early release of the suspects.
“The police and respondents participated in the coroner’s proceedings, but the case investigation was forwarded to the respondents without informing the Coroner’s Court,” he said.
“Even though the inquest was ongoing, the respondents issued legal advice that led to the premature release of the suspects.”
The case is scheduled for a hearing on June 17, 2025.
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