A Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in the Sabo, Yaba area on Tuesday released Abdulazeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, and three others from any legal responsibility concerning the tragic death of rising Nigerian singer, Aloba Oladimeji lleriOluwa, popularly known as Mohbad.
The ruling, delivered by Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje, was in line with the legal advice provided by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of Lagos State, which concluded that there was no case for the accused to answer regarding the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s untimely death.
In addition to Naira Marley, the court also cleared music promoter Samson Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry; Owodunni Ibrahim, who goes by the name Primeboy; and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde, of any involvement in the tragic incident.
The decision has brought significant relief to the four men, who have been at the centre of controversy and public scrutiny since the tragic passing of Mohbad in September 2023. The singer’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and confusion from fans, as well as questions regarding the possible causes of his demise.
*The Death of Mohbad: A Tragic Event that Shook Nigeria’s Music Industry*
Mohbad, a 27-year-old Nigerian artist who gained recognition for his unique blend of Afrobeats and street music, tragically passed away on September 12, 2023. His death shocked fans, fellow artists, and the wider public, leading to widespread speculation about the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Following his death, fans and the media were quick to suggest that foul play might have been involved, with many pointing fingers at individuals within his circle, including his former record label, Marlian Records, which is headed by Naira Marley. The accusations of harassment and mistreatment by industry figures were compounded by Mohbad’s own social media posts before his death, in which he openly expressed distress and accusations against some people in his professional life.
The case drew significant attention in Nigeria, with the public calling for a thorough investigation into Mohbad’s death. The involvement of high-profile individuals like Naira Marley, who has a large fan base and significant influence in the Nigerian music industry, only added to the public interest.
On Tuesday, Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje read the legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) which declared that there was insufficient evidence to charge Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and Opere Babatunde with any crime related to Mohbad’s death.
Magistrate Kubenje affirmed that, after a thorough examination of the case, the court had no evidence to support claims that the individuals were responsible for the death of the late singer. As such, the case against the four accused was dismissed, and they were all cleared of any wrongdoing.
The ruling brought to an end months of intense speculation, legal battles, and public outcry over the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death. For Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and Opere Babatunde, the decision marked the end of a turbulent period in which they were under intense scrutiny.