Court Throws Out Mohbad’s Father’s Lawsuit Against Sam Larry and Naira Marley
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
An Ikeja High Court has dismissed an application filed by Joseph Aloba, father of the late singer Mohbad, seeking to quash the legal advice that exonerated music label owner Naira Marley and promoter Sam Larry from any involvement in Mohbad’s death.
The court’s decision was based on the absolute powers of the Attorney General of Lagos State to prosecute or not to prosecute, which cannot be questioned.
Mohbad’s death has been a subject of investigation, with various stakeholders seeking justice for the late singer.
The case has garnered significant attention, with many calling for accountability and transparency in the investigation.
Justice Taiwo Olatokun held that the powers of the Attorney General of Lagos State to prosecute or not to prosecute were absolute and could not be questioned.
The court dismissed Aloba’s application, which sought to quash the DPP’s legal advice, citing alleged lack of fair hearing.
The judge emphasized that the court’s role is not to interfere with the Attorney General’s discretionary powers.
Aloba’s lead counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), had argued that the DPP’s legal advice, which exonerated Marley and Larry, pre-empted the outcome of the coroner’s inquest, “which is yet to conclude its investigation into the cause of the artist’s death.”
Shittu contended that vital suspects mentioned and implicated during the coroner’s proceedings were prematurely freed through the DPP’s legal advice.
The respondents, including the Attorney General of Lagos State and the DPP, argued that the court should dismiss the application in the interest of justice.
They contended that the suspects were not acquitted but merely discharged, and that the presiding coroner did not issue a directive mandating them to inform the inquest of the conclusion of the DPP’s review of the duplicate case file.
The court’s decision means that the legal advice exonerating Naira Marley and Sam Larry from any involvement in Mohbad’s death stands, at least for now.
The case highlights the complexities of the Nigerian justice system and the challenges faced by families seeking justice for their loved ones.
The outcome may have significant implications for the investigation into Mohbad’s death and the pursuit of justice for his family.
About the Author
Ayo Marvel 
Ademola Busayo 
