Mohbad: Prime Boy sues police over detention

Afrobeats singer, Owodunni Ibrahim, popularly known as Prime Boy, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, against the Nigeria Police Force over what he described as wrongful arrest, prolonged detention and violation of his fundamental rights.

The singer is seeking a formal public apology and an official statement clearing him of any involvement in the 2023 death of his friend and fellow artiste, Mohbad.

Prime Boy said his life and music career suffered significant setbacks after he was declared wanted, labelled a criminal and detained for four months. He maintained that despite voluntarily presenting himself to the police and later being released, the stigma attached to the allegations continued to harm his reputation and professional growth.

Speaking during a protest in Lagos, he said he endured severe hardship during his detention and insisted that the police must publicly acknowledge his innocence.

“I want the Nigerian police to apologise to me because I went through a lot. I was detained for four months. They declared me wanted but found nothing incriminating. Please announce that I am innocent,” he said.

Prime Boy was arrested in the aftermath of Mohbad’s controversial death, following claims by police that he was linked to the fatal injuries sustained by the late singer — allegations he consistently denied. He has maintained that he was only attempting to calm Mohbad during a dispute between the singer and his wife.

He also expressed frustration that Mohbad has yet to be buried years after his death, urging both the late singer’s family and the government to take appropriate action.

The case adds a new legal dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death, which continues to generate public attention.