A coalition of revolutionary civil society organizations, operating under the banner of the Movement For Justice (MFJ), has called for the swift extradition and arrest of Nigerian musician Azeez Adeshina Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, from the United Kingdom. This demand is in connection with the tragic death of the up-and-coming singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

The coalition officially presented this demand through a statement that bore the signatures of its Co-Conveners, Ayo Ademiluyi and Ayoyinka Oni, as well as its Secretary, Fidel Davynovich, and Publicity Secretary, Francis Nwapa. This collective statement underscores the gravity of their request for Naira Marley’s extradition and arrest in connection with the tragic passing of Mohbad.

The Movement for Justice, which has shown its backing for the widespread protests and candlelight vigils held both nationally and internationally in remembrance of Mohbad’s passing, has urged for further collective actions. They have called for sustained mass actions until justice is achieved for the late singer. This demonstrates their commitment to seeking accountability and fairness in the wake of this tragedy.

“We call for mass actions to take place outside the premises of the Coroner’s Inquest to demand justice for his untimely death.

“We are worried that Mohbad’s persecutors and bullies have links to the Nigerian state going by videos and pictures on social media which show Sam Larry and Naira Marley in the company of the Lagos State Governor, (Babajide) Sanwo-Olu and even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the coalition said.

It further stated, “While we welcome the arrest of Sam Larry, we unequivocally call for the extradition and arrest of Naira Marley within 48 hours by the Nigeria Police Force, failing which we will be left with no choice than to kickstart marathon nationwide mass actions.”

The group further expressed its lack of confidence in the Nigeria Police’s ability to conduct a trustworthy investigation into Mohbad’s death. They criticized the dispersal of mourners at the Lekki Toll Gate who were advocating for justice for Mohbad, deeming it unacceptable.

They believe that the Nigeria Police has not changed its approach to handling peaceful protests since the tragic events of the Lekki Massacre on October 20, 2020, and the brutality that initially sparked the #EndSARS protests. They have issued notice of their intent to pursue legal action against what they perceive as an unjust violation of their fundamental rights.

“We also want to place on record that we will mark the Memorial Anniversary of the Lekki Massacre on 20th October, 2023 at the Lekki Toll Gate. No Jupiter will be able to stop us!

“We will constitute, after consultations with all stakeholders, an Independent Panel of Inquiry comprising youth organizations, civil society organisations, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Medical Association and other progressive platforms to look into all the issues surrounding his (Mohbad) death.”

The coalition also stated that while it continues to mourn Mohbad’s death and demand justice for him, it is concerned that many cases of unlawful killings have not been resolved, citing a case Bamise Ayanwola, a young lady who was murdered after boarding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) co-owned by the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Bus Transport Company.

“While we are aware that the next adjourned date of the prosecution of the bus driver, Andrew Nice Omikoron is 20th October, 2023, the Nigeria Police has not apprehended other suspects at large till date.

“We are equally concerned about justice for Mubarak Sanyaolu, a 12-year-old boy who was murdered by police bullets and no police officer involved and who are still serving in the Meiran Division of the Nigerian Police Force has been arrested or prosecuted.”

The coalition also scheduled Tuesday, October 3, for mass action to demand justice and an end to eviction and demolition in Oworoshoki community in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, alleging that the community “has been under siege by a bestial monarch, Oloworo of Oworonsoki, ably supported by the Nigeria Police and friends in the Lagos State Government.

“As we write, two community activists have been arrested and are being detained in the custody of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. We call for their immediate release.

“We will be steamrolling a mass action to the Lagos State House of Assembly, which will continue its Public Hearing on the matter on the said date.”