Nigerian singer, Abdulazeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, has called on the court to investigate Omowunmi, the wife of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, and about 14 others who were with him in the 48 to 72 hours leading up to his death. This plea came during a virtual testimony given by Naira Marley before a Coroner Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Friday.
Naira Marley’s lawyer, Olusola Okuwobi, made this known in a statement sent to PUNCH Metro on Sunday. According to Okuwobi, the singer testified that he was not in the country at the time of Mohbad’s death and had no ill feelings towards the late artist. Naira Marley’s call for a deeper investigation is part of ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind Mohbad’s tragic passing on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27.
During his testimony, Naira Marley clarified his relationship with Mohbad, stating that there was no animosity between them before the singer’s death. He also mentioned that the contract between him and Mohbad had already been addressed, and there were no unresolved issues between the two. However, Naira Marley did not hesitate to point the finger at those who were present in Mohbad’s house shortly before his death.
According to Naira Marley’s lawyer, the singer urged the court to focus on Omowunmi, Mohbad’s wife, and the 14 others who were at the house in the days leading up to the incident. He accused these individuals of trying to avoid responsibility by circulating an old video of Mohbad, which he claimed was being used to mislead the investigation.
Naira Marley’s testimony added that Mohbad had previously apologized for the video, and this apology was accepted before he left Naira Marley’s record label. This information is important because it suggests that the video, which allegedly showed Mohbad being assaulted, had already been dealt with prior to his departure from the Marlian Music label.
This testimony from Naira Marley comes a week after an auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad during his final moments also appeared before the court to give a statement. Both testimonies have raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death, and calls for a more thorough investigation are growing louder.
Meanwhile, a group of Nigerians in the diaspora, under the banner of The Concerned Nigeria Citizens in Diaspora, has also called for a re-investigation into Mohbad’s death. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Victoria Janolewsky-Peters, the group urged the Nigeria Police Force to look into the claims made by Naira Marley during his testimony.
The group has called on the police to invite and interrogate not only Mohbad’s wife, Omowunmi, but also his brother, Adura Aloba. The statement highlighted the need to investigate the contradictory statements Omowunmi had made about her husband’s death and to question the other individuals who were present at the singer’s home during his final days.
“We urge the Nigeria Police to thoroughly investigate the people Naira Marley has pointed to in his testimony,” said Janolewsky-Peters. “It is important that the police invite Mohbad’s brother, Adura Aloba, as well as his wife, Omowunmi, who was responsible for his wellbeing. She has given several contradictory accounts of what happened in the lead-up to his death. We also believe that the 14 other people present at Mohbad’s house should be questioned to help piece together the truth.”
The group’s call for a deeper investigation is fueled by the belief that there may be more to Mohbad’s death than what has been publicly acknowledged. They also expressed concern that the case could potentially be mishandled or left unresolved unless a thorough investigation is carried out.
The late Mohbad, who was a former member of the Marlian Music label, had previously accused Naira Marley and his associate, Samson Eletu (also known as Sam Larry), of orchestrating attacks on him. Mohbad had also alleged that he was subjected to violent treatment by gangs connected to the music label. These claims had been a central part of the controversy surrounding his departure from the label and his subsequent career struggles.
In response to the accusations, a Lagos court acquitted Naira Marley, Sam Larry, music promoter Samson Balogun, and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde, in a ruling delivered on February 25, 2024. Despite this ruling, questions surrounding Mohbad’s death have persisted, especially given the singer’s previous claims of harassment and assault.
The situation has raised significant public interest, especially as fans and the wider Nigerian public continue to demand justice for the late artist. While the police initially launched an investigation into the death, many believe that further scrutiny is necessary, particularly concerning the actions of those closest to Mohbad in his final days.
As of now, Omowunmi, Mohbad’s wife, has not commented publicly on Naira Marley’s testimony. Her lawyer, Taiwo Olawanle, responded to inquiries by asking for a text message, but had not provided a response by the time of this report.
The Nigerian public, both at home and in the diaspora, continues to express concern about the circumstances of Mohbad’s death, with many hoping that the truth will come to light through a thorough and impartial investigation. The renewed calls for a deeper inquiry, including Naira Marley’s suggestion to probe Omowunmi and the 14 others who were with Mohbad before his passing, are an indication that this case will continue to attract attention until all questions are answered.
As investigations continue, many are watching closely to see whether the Nigeria Police Force will take the necessary steps to address the concerns raised by Naira Marley and other concerned groups. The ongoing legal proceedings may shed more light on the true cause of Mohbad’s death, and whether those responsible, if any, will be held accountable for their actions.
