Nigeria: Mohbad’s father appeals Lagos court ruling
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The father of late singer Mohbad, Joseph Aloba, has filed a notice of appeal against a Lagos High Court ruling that upheld the legal advice clearing music executive Naira Marley and show promoter Sam Larry of any wrongdoing in his son’s death.
Aloba’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Wahab Shittu, is challenging the Director of Public Prosecutions’ legal advice, which they argue was used to absolve key suspects in Mohbad’s death. The appeal seeks to overturn the July 29 2025, decision delivered by Justice D.T. Olatokun.
Aloba contends that the trial court erred by holding that the Attorney-General’s prosecutorial powers are absolute and not subject to judicial review. He argues that such powers must be exercised in line with public interest, justice, and due process.
The appeal document cites the Supreme Court case of Elias v. Arkas (2018) 10 NWLR (Pt 1626) Pg 37, which held that the Attorney-General’s powers are not beyond judicial scrutiny, especially when they appear contrary to the public interest or amount to an abuse of legal process.
Aloba is urging the Court of Appeal to allow the appeal, set aside the lower court’s ruling, and issue an order of certiorari to quash the legal advice issued by the DPP. The Attorney-General of Lagos State and the Director of Public Prosecutions are listed as respondents in the case.
