News

Mohbad’s Father Files Appeal Against Lagos DPP’s Legal Advice

Published

3 months ago

July 9, 2025

Mr Joseph Aloba, father of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka Mohbad, has filed a notice of appeal against the Lagos High Court ruling which upheld the legal advice that cleared music executive, Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, and show promoter, Balogun Eletu, popularly known as Sam Larry, of any wrongdoing in his son’s controversial death.

The appeal, filed at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, seeks to overturn the July 2, 2025, decision delivered by Justice D.T. Olatokun.

Through his legal team led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wahab Shittu, and Don Akaegbu, Aloba is challenging the Director of Public Prosecutions’ legal advice, which he argued was used to absolve key suspects in the late singer’s death.

In the appeal document sighted by The PUNCH on Tuesday, Aloba contended that the trial court erred by holding that the Attorney-General’s prosecutorial powers under Section 211(1) of the 1999 Constitution are absolute and not subject to judicial review.

He argued that such powers must be exercised in line with public interest, justice, and due process, and not used to shield any individual from prosecution.

Citing the Supreme Court case of Elias v. Arkas (2018) 10 NWLR (Pt 1626) Pg 37, the appellant contended that “such power was not beywond judicial scrutiny, especially when it appears contrary to the public interest, interest of justice, or amounts to abuse of legal process.”

He however urged the court “to allow the appeal and set aside the lower court’s ruling and issue an order of certiorari to quash the legal advice issued by the DPP with Reference No. LJP/HOM/2023/170 concerning Mohbad’s death.”

The Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro SAN, and the Director of Public Prosecutions were listed as respondents in the case.

In an ex parte motion earlier filed before the Lagos High Court, Aloba argued that the coroner’s inquest, initiated on September 29, 2023, had not concluded its probe into Mohbad’s demise before the DPP’s actions were taken.

He further disclosed that key individuals who had been summoned by the Coroner’s Court and mentioned during the inquest were released prematurely and had yet to appear to clarify their roles in the case.

He added that the police and DPP allegedly acted without notifying the coroner, thereby obstructing the inquest’s statutory duties.
(PUNCH)

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

17 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

18 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

18 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.