The father of the late Nigerian artist Mohbad, Mr. Joseph Aloba, has expressed dissatisfaction with the recent court ruling regarding the involvement of Naira Marley, his son’s former record label boss, in the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s tragic passing. The case has stirred significant public discourse, particularly as it pertains to the allegations involving Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry.
Aloba, determined to seek justice for his son, has filed a legal challenge at the Ikeja State High Court, questioning the recommendations made by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP had advised against further legal action regarding the roles of Naira Marley and his associates in Mohbad’s death. Representing himself in the matter, Aloba has named Lagos State Attorney General Lawal Pedro (SAN) and DPP Dr. Babajide Martins as the respondents in the case.
The central focus of Aloba’s legal petition is to challenge the DPP’s decision to clear Naira Marley and Sam Larry of any involvement in the death of his son. His lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), has presented three major points for consideration. Firstly, Aloba argues that he was denied a fair hearing during the investigation, a right guaranteed by Section 36 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Secondly, Aloba contends that the DPP’s legal advice improperly influenced the ongoing Coroner’s inquest into Mohbad’s death. He maintains that the premature recommendations from the DPP had a negative impact on the investigation, particularly in terms of identifying critical suspects. The Coroner’s inquest is still ongoing, and Aloba’s legal team believes that the DPP’s advice may have hindered its progress.
Furthermore, Aloba’s petition highlights the issue of key suspects in Mohbad’s death being released based on the DPP’s advice. The Aloba family claims that this premature action compromised the integrity of the investigation and undermined the pursuit of justice for the late artist.
The legal action follows public outcry in Nigeria, particularly after the Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, made its controversial ruling. The court revealed that Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and Prime Boy had been cleared of any involvement in Mohbad’s death after nearly two years of legal proceedings. This decision has triggered a wave of reactions on Nigerian social media, with citizens expressing varying opinions on the fairness and transparency of the court’s ruling.
The case has become a focal point for public debate, with many questioning the influence of powerful figures in the entertainment industry on legal proceedings.
As the legal battle continues, the Aloba family remains resolute in their quest for justice for Mohbad. “We will not stop until the truth is revealed,” Aloba said in a statement following the filing of the court application.
