Naira Marley breaks silence on Mohbad’s death, shares his side of the story

Musician Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has released a detailed video account addressing allegations linking him to the death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.

Mohbad, aged 27, died on September 12, 2023, sparking controversy and public outrage. In February this year, a Magistrate’s Court in Yaba, Lagos, cleared Naira Marley, music promoter Sam Larry (Samson Balogun), Primeboy (Ibrahim Owodunni), and Mohbad’s former manager, Babatunde Opere, of any wrongdoing.

However, in July, a Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu recommended the prosecution of auxiliary nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, ruling that her negligent medical treatment led to the singer’s death.

In his new video, released on YouTube in the early hours of Wednesday, Naira Marley outlined events from 2020 to 2022, alleging that Mohbad struggled with substance abuse, health issues, and mental distress.

He said he advised the late singer after discovering his use of “Ice” and provided evidence of financial transparency within Marlian Music, insisting their business dealings were “50-50.”

The ‘Soapy’ crooner also referenced the 2022 raid on Marlian house by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), during which Mohbad accused him and others of threats to his life while experiencing a panic attack. Marley claimed Mohbad later apologised with his parents and girlfriend.

He further revealed that Mohbad attempted suicide in March 2022, and that he personally discussed the issue with the late singer’s parents. He also accused Mohbad of withdrawing $72,000 from a digital streaming partner without clearance, after which he allegedly cut ties with Marlian Music.

According to Marley, he was in Amsterdam on the day of Mohbad’s death and has since been wrongly accused. He expressed frustration over his two-month detention in Lagos despite voluntarily returning to Nigeria to clear his name.

“I’ve never sent anybody to bully him,” Naira Marley said, adding that royalties owed to Mohbad will be handed to his family or as directed by a court.