A Lagos High Court has dismissed a legal effort by the family of late music star Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, seeking to mandate prosecution of music figures Naira Marley and Sam Larry over the singer’s controversial death.
The decision followed an application brought by Mohbad's father, challenging the earlier legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), which absolved the duo of any criminal involvement. Justice Olatokun, delivering the ruling, affirmed that the Attorney General holds exclusive discretion to determine whether or not to pursue a case—decisions that, according to the court, cannot be contested.
In response, the family's legal counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), announced their intention to appeal, stating that their pursuit is not about blaming individuals, but about seeking justice for Mohbad.
Back in February, a Magistrate Court in Yaba had similarly exonerated Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others, including Primeboy and Mohbad’s former manager, based on the DPP's counsel. However, the DPP recommended prosecuting two individuals—auxiliary nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who treated Mohbad before his passing, and Ayobami Sadiq, one of the singer’s friends—for reckless and negligent actions under Lagos law. Their cases are to proceed at the Magistrate Court.
Mohbad tragically died on September 12, 2023, under circumstances that sparked widespread public uproar, protests, and demands for justice. Videos and social media posts alleging previous harassment by individuals including Naira Marley and Sam Larry intensified public scrutiny. While several people were initially arrested, the authorities' decision not to pursue charges against certain high-profile figures has reignited concerns about accountability in the case.
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