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Mohbad’s Dad Asks Court To Overturn Ruling On Naira Marley’s Innocence

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Joseph Aloba, father of the late singer Mohbad, has filed a lawsuit at a high court in Ikeja, seeking to overturn the legal advice given by the Lagos state director of public prosecutions (DPP) regarding his son’s death.

Ejiro Kubenje, the presiding judge at the Yaba magistrate court, ruled last month that “Abdulazeez Fashola (Naira Marley), Samson Balogun (Sam Larry), Owodunni Ibrahim (Prime Boy), and Pere Babatunde” were not guilty of any allegations related to Mohbad’s death.

Acting on the DPP’s advice, Kubenje discharged the four suspects, stating they had “no case to answer.”

However, the Lagos DPP announced that “Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad, and Ayobami Sadiq, one of the singer’s friends,” would be prosecuted for reckless and negligent acts.

In a suit filed on behalf of his family, Aloba challenged the exoneration of what he called the “key suspects” in the case.

The respondents listed in the suit include “Lawal Pedro, Lagos state attorney general, and DPP Babajide Martins.”

Wahab Shittu, Aloba’s lawyer, filed the motion on March 13, arguing that the DPP’s legal advice should be nullified due to “denial of fair hearing, pre-emption of the ongoing coroner’s inquest, and the premature release of key suspects.”

In an 18-paragraph affidavit, Aloba described Mohbad’s death on “September 11, 2023,” as “suspicious,” prompting an official inquest that began on “September 29, 2023,” before coroner magistrate “Adedayo Shotobi.”

Despite the ongoing inquest, Kubenje acted on the DPP’s recommendation and discharged Mohbad’s former label boss, a music promoter, and other suspects.

Aloba argued that the suspects had been “implicated” in the coroner’s proceedings and had not yet testified.

He claimed the DPP’s legal advice was issued “without jurisdiction and amounted to obstructing the coroner’s investigation.”

Aloba called on the court to intervene to ensure justice for his son’s death.

“The discharged and acquitted suspects by the respondents pursuant to their legal advice have been mentioned and implicated in the Coroner’s proceedings and have been summoned and are yet to appear and give evidence as to their role in the death of Mohbad,” the documents read in part.

“The police through one ASP Mohammed Yusuf attached to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti and the respondents through their senior counsel, Mr George, participated in the Coroner’s proceedings.

“The State CID Panti forwarded the case containing their investigation to the respondents without informing the Coroner’s court and while both offices, particularly the respondents who are aware of the Coroner’s inquest, proceeded to issue legal advice which prompted the Magistrate Court to discharge and acquit the prime suspects.

“That I know as a fact that the act or omission of the respondents is without due regard to the Coroner’s court which constitutes an obstruction of the coroner in the exercise of its statutory duties.

“That I know as a fact that the respondents’ failure to allow the Coroner to conclude its proceeding and proceeding to issue the legal advice is pre-empting the outcome of the decision of the Coroner and is done without jurisdiction and is null and void.

“That I know as a fact that the act or omission of the respondents issuing legal advice in respect of the matter upon which an inquest is being conducted amounted to obstructing and interfering with the Coroner’s investigation and potentially influencing the outcome.

“That I know as a fact that the act or omission of the respondents issuing legal advice which constituted an affront to the executive jurisdiction of the Coroner, the power to conduct inquests into suspicious and unnatural death is expected to run its course without external interference.

“That I know as a fact that the act or omission of the respondents, apart from being pre-emptive of the Coroner’s proceedings, undermines the integrity of the inquest and potentially compromises the outcome of the coroner’s investigation.

“That I know as a fact that the act or omission of the respondents while aware that the Coroner‘s inquest is still pending is to overreach the outcome of the Coroner’s inquest and is improper.

“The applicant needs the intervention of this court to get justice for the death of his son otherwise allowing the legal advice from the respondents to stay may automatically put an end to the seriousness of the Coroner’s Court and its proceedings.”

Mohbad passed away on “September 12, 2023,” under unclear circumstances, sparking widespread reactions and demands for justice on social media.

In “October 2023,” “Naira Marley and Sam Larry” were arrested over allegations of involvement in the singer’s death.

They were released on bail in “November 2023,” after spending over five weeks in detention.

BIG STORY

14 Villagers, Policeman Killed In Plateau Attacks

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At least 14 villagers and a mobile police officer lost their lives on Thursday in two separate attacks by gunmen in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

One of the incidents occurred around 4:00 pm while the victims, mostly residents of the Chirang community, were returning from Bokkos market to Mangor village.

The Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the attack to The PUNCH in Jos on Thursday night.

Mallai said, “Yes, it is true. There was an attack on our people about 4:00 pm this evening.

“Fourteen natives were ambushed and killed by suspected terrorists while three others were injured on their way from Bokkos Market to Mangor Village of Bokkos LG.”

He added that security forces had since taken control of the area to maintain peace and prevent further violence.

He also noted that the latest assault followed an earlier attack that same day where a mobile police officer was killed while on duty.

The officer was stationed at a checkpoint along Richa Road in the same Bokkos LGA before he was killed.

Mallai described the incidents as “very unfortunate.”

“Our hearts are bleeding because early this morning, on 24th July, 2025, a MOPOL was killed at his duty post (checkpoint) along Richa road, Bokkos LGA. This is what happened in Bokkos today,” he said.

The Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Amalau Amalau, confirmed the attacks and described the situation as an “emergency.”

He said, “I’m driving. We have an emergency in Bokkos following attacks on our people.

“Right now, we are taking the victims to the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Let’s talk later, please,” the chairman told our correspondent.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.

However, sources at the command said additional security personnel had been deployed to the affected area to address the crisis.

In response to the killings, several residents voiced their concerns and urged the Federal Government to consider establishing state police.

“Many state governments have been pleading with the Federal Government to allow them to have state police.

“I think the time has come for the Federal Government and the National Assembly to do something urgent in this regard, to stop further loss of lives in Plateau State and other parts of the country,” said Choji Bulus, a resident of Barkin Ladi.

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BIG STORY

Made Kuti Releases Sophomore Album, ‘Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?’

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  • Set to hold listening party on July 27 at Afrikan Shrine

 

Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afrobeat multi-instrumentalist Omorinmade Anikulapo Kuti, popularly known as Made Kuti, has announced the release of his highly anticipated second album, ‘Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?.’

The highly anticipated album contains 13 songs and is available worldwide.

The sophomore album features socially conscious songs like ‘Take It All In Before The Lights Go Out,’ ‘I Won’t Run Away,’ and ‘Life As We Know It.’ Other songs are ‘Find My Way,’ ‘Pray,’ ‘Won Na Pa,’ ‘Our Own,’ ‘Wait And See,’ ‘You Can’t Hide,’ ‘Oya,’ ‘My Voice,’ ‘Story,’ and ‘After The Tears Flow.’ Made has encouraged fans and music enthusiasts to stream the album on all music platforms, embrace its powerful messages, and prepare for the exclusive listening party happening on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the iconic Afrikan Shrine.

Building on the success of his debut For(e)word—a modern Afrobeat manifesto tackling issues like corruption and inequality—Made continues to showcase his talent as a singer, songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist.

The album is coming three years after the release of his debut album, ‘For(e)word, a modern Afrobeat manifesto addressing issues like corruption, inequality, and police brutality. His debut album, which was released in a joint album, ‘Legacy+,’ alongside his father’s ‘Stop the Hate’ in 2022, earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album in 2022.

The upcoming event, FK Management noted, is not just about music – it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the next chapter in Made’s musical journey. Attendees are billed to experience an electrifying atmosphere filled with live performances, energetic dance, and a shared love for Afrobeat music.

It’s a rare opportunity for fans and music enthusiasts to connect directly with Made and immerse themselves in his new tracks within a vibrant, immersive setting.

As a proud third-generation Kuti, Made continues to push boundaries and elevate his craft, bringing the fire and passion that his legendary lineage is known for.

According to organizers FK Management, this promises to be a milestone moment for fans and music lovers alike—a night to remember.

Update HERE

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BIG STORY

Natasha To Serve Out Suspension As Senate Enters Recess

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Two days after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was stopped from resuming her duties, the Nigerian Senate adjourned plenary on Thursday for its annual break, which will last until September 23, 2025.

As a result of the recess, the suspended Kogi senator will now complete the remainder of her suspension before the next plenary session.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was handed a six-month suspension on March 6, 2025, after being accused of misconduct and insubordination during the February 20, 2025, plenary when she refused a seat reassignment.

The Senate had cautioned that her suspension might be reviewed if she failed to offer a formal apology.

Her punishment stemmed from the findings of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty after reviewing the complaints.

The suspension was due to end on September 6, 2025. However, the recess means she will serve the full term before the Senate returns.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after being denied entry into the Senate chamber, Akpoti-Uduaghan criticised the Senate’s action as unlawful and revealed plans to challenge it in court.

“Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent—the document was faulty,” she said.

“Going forward, I will have a meeting with my legal team so they can proceed to the appellate court to seek interpretation of what just happened. I am a law-abiding citizen.”

She also accused Senate President Akpabio of exceeding his constitutional powers.

With the recess in place, the Senate will not reconvene until her suspension has lapsed.

During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the recess, describing it as “chamber reciprocity” since the House of Representatives had already started its break in line with the legislative calendar.

“We have started a new calendar that will take us to next year, June. And so it has fallen within this period for us to go on for a break to enable us to undertake major oversights,” Akpabio explained.

He stated that while plenary would be paused, committee activities should continue during the break.

“All necessary committees—the diaspora committee, committee on reparation, committee on interior and others—this is the best time for you to undertake visits to prisons and all that.

“Do all your reports and make them available as soon as we come back,” he directed.

Akpabio encouraged senators to carry out oversight functions across the country, emphasising that their legislative responsibilities must continue.

“You are moving from plenary for the next few weeks, but you are not stopping your legislative functions, because that’s what your people elected you to do. Members are expected to travel to Sokoto, everywhere, to observe the road repairs that are going on.

“By the time we resume, you are expected to bring your reports, committee by committee, for us to look into. I want to wish you safe travels and for all of us to return in good health,” he added.

Akpabio also announced the passing of Prof Janet Plang, wife of Senator Diket Plang.

He said arrangements had been made for senators to attend her burial in Plateau State on Friday, with a flight scheduled to leave Abuja at 8 am.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele expressed appreciation to senators for their dedication to legislative duties.

“We thank all our colleagues for all they have done to ensure that the business of lawmaking on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria has progressed smoothly,” Bamidele said.

He then proposed postponing all remaining items on the order paper to the next sitting, which was unanimously accepted by the Senate.

Natasha delayed at airport

Separately, the suspended senator was reportedly held up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja last Thursday while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom.

A family source disclosed that immigration officials claimed she had been placed on a watch list by order of the National Assembly leadership.

“She was told that the leadership of the National Assembly requested that she be considered a flight risk and placed on a watch list,” the source said.

“We are wondering why they treated her that way, given there is no court order restricting her movement and she has never missed any of her court appearances.”

Eyewitnesses said Akpoti-Uduaghan looked distressed and made several phone calls before being allowed to travel after her passport was stamped.

Speaking shortly before departure, the senator confirmed the incident, saying, “The aircraft is about to take off.”

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