Coalition Petitions Lagos Govt, Police To Probe Actor Yomi Fabiyi for Alleged Harassment, Defamation Of Mohbad’s Widow

A coalition of concerned citizens has petitioned the Lagos State Government, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Lagos State Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, accusing Nollywood actor and self-proclaimed human rights activist Yomi Fabiyi of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and defaming Mrs. Omowunmi Aloba and her son.

The petitioners in a statement on Wednesday allege that Fabiyi, through his organisation, Break the Silence Foundation, has persistently harassed the grieving widow of the late Nigerian musician Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, and her two-year-old son, Liam Aloba.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27 under controversial circumstances, sparking widespread speculation and nationwide protests demanding justice.

Reports indicate that he had received an injection for an ear infection at a hospital before his condition worsened. He was later pronounced dead and buried the next day in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Amid public outcry, his body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death.

Before his passing, Mohbad had conflicts with his former record label, Marlian Music, owned by Naira Marley, alleging harassment and threats. Videos surfaced showing him being assaulted by associates of the label.

However, the Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos State, recently acquitted Naira Marley in connection with Mohbad’s death.

Delivering the ruling, Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje implemented the legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), stating that Naira Marley had no case to answer.

The court also freed music promoter Samson Balogun (Sam Larry), Owodunni Ibrahim (Primeboy), and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde.

The coalition of concerned citizens lamented that since Mohbad’s death in 2023, Omowunmi Aloba has suffered relentless online attacks, primarily on TikTok, where Fabiyi allegedly incites public hatred against her.

Citing concerns over her safety, the coalition called on the government and relevant agencies to intervene, investigate Fabiyi’s activities, and provide immediate protection for the widow and her child.

“We, the concerned members of the public, write to formally bring to your attention the alarming case of cyber bullying, cyber stalking, and defamation being perpetrated by one Mr. Yomi Fabiyi, a self-acclaimed human rights activist,” the petition reads.

“Through his organisation, Break the Silence Foundation, he has persistently harassed and defamed Mrs. Omowunmi Aloba, the grieving widow of the late Nigerian musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba (popularly known as Mohbad), and her only son, Liam Aloba, who is just two years old.”

The letter further accuses Fabiyi of using his platform to spread “false, unfounded allegations” against Omowunmi, leading to emotional and psychological distress.

“His actions have caused her to live in constant fear for her safety and that of her young child,” it states.

The petitioners also raise concerns about the legitimacy of Break the Silence Foundation, stating that the organisation is inactive on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) portal.

They call for an investigation into its operations, alleging misuse of the platform for cyber harassment.

In their appeal, they urge the Lagos State Government to investigate the matter, implement protective policies for widows, and hold Fabiyi accountable. They also call on the NHRC to ensure justice for the widow, the Lagos State Ministry of Women’s Affairs to provide legal aid, and the police to offer immediate protection.

The letter concludes by stressing the need for swift action, stating, “It is imperative that swift and decisive action is taken to ensure that justice prevails and that the fundamental rights of Mrs. Omowunmi Aloba and her son are upheld.”