Naira Marley testifies in court, denies role in Mohbad’s demise
Popular music artiste Naira Marley on Friday appeared before a Magistrate Court in Ikorodu via virtual proceedings to testify in the Coroner’s inquest into the death of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
During his testimony before Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, Naira Marley disclosed that Mohbad had signed a contract with his record label, Marlian Records, to produce four albums. However, the albums were never completed due to ongoing disagreements between Mohbad and his manager, Opere Babatunde.
Denies allegations of threats and molestation
The singer refuted claims that he had ever threatened or molested Mohbad, citing a police report that had cleared him of such accusations.
When questioned about a viral video in which Mohbad stated that Naira Marley and the Marlian crew should be held responsible if anything happened to him, Marley claimed that the late singer and his parents later apologized, saying the video was made while Mohbad was under the influence of drugs.
“The only issue he had was with Tunde his manager. Their fight started from a group chat which I still have the evidence with me. I tried to settle their differences but it got out of hand to the extent that they got physical.
“I even gave Mohbad the option of changing his manager if that would make him happy. When they got physical I didn’t report to the police because it was Mohbad that employed Tunde.”
“I have never threatened Mohbad neither did I bully him. Samlarry is a friend to both me and Mohbad. I never instructed him to beat Mohbad. I never cheated him neither did I exploit him.
“I requested for a virtual hearing today because of my safety. I have received threats from people saying they will kill me if I ever show up at Ikorodu. Ever since Mohbad left my record label, I never set my eyes on him. I was not in Nigeria when he died. I only came back to Nigeria to support the case,” he stated.
Mohbad’s lawyer disputes Marley’s claims
A second witness, Mohbad’s lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade, contradicted Marley’s statements, confirming that there was a dispute between the late singer and Marlian Records over unpaid royalties.
Falade revealed that he had written multiple letters to Marlian Records on behalf of Mohbad but never received any response. He added that the matter was now the subject of litigation before the Federal High Court.
The lawyer also testified that Mohbad had been attacked at Lekki Beach by music promoter Sam Larry and had reported the incident to the police. According to Falade, the Force Headquarters had attempted to arrest Sam Larry twice without success.
Court summons Sam Larry, Mohbad’s driver, and pathologist
Following the testimonies, Magistrate Shotobi ordered Sam Larry to appear before the Coroner’s court on the next adjourned date, April 11. The Coroner also directed that witness summons be issued to Mohbad’s driver to testify.
Additionally, the court instructed the pathologist who conducted an independent autopsy on Mohbad to submit his findings to both the Coroner’s court and the Chief Coroner before the next hearing.
The inquest into Mohbad’s death continues as authorities seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the late singer’s passing.