The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen investigations into the death of Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit in a judgment delivered on Thursday, holding that the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation lacked the legal standing to institute the action.

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The foundation had sued the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, asking the court to order a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

The organisation had argued that the earlier police investigation was inadequate and claimed that some members of the late singer’s family were not properly questioned during the initial probe.

However, Justice Omotosho held that the foundation failed to present the earlier police investigation report before the court. According to the judge, the report was necessary to establish whether the police had indeed failed to investigate the persons identified by the applicant.

The court consequently found that the foundation’s claims were not sufficiently supported by evidence and declined to order a fresh investigation based on what it described as unsubstantiated assertions.

Justice Omotosho also warned lawyers against granting media interviews or making social media comments concerning cases that are still pending before the courts.

The judge said such comments could influence public perception of the evidence and proceedings, reminding legal practitioners that cases should be argued through appropriate legal channels.

He further warned that the court could invoke its contempt powers against lawyers who disregard the directive by making public comments about pending cases.

Mohbad died in Lagos on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. The latest judgment dismissing the foundation’s suit leaves the existing police investigation position unchanged.