Popular Nigerian musician Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, has publicly shared his account of events surrounding the death of his former signee, Promise Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
In a two-hour documentary released on Wednesday via the official Marlian Music YouTube channel, Naira Marley gave a detailed narration of Mohbad’s journey with the label, his struggles, and the controversies that followed his passing.
Allegations and Denials
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, sparking widespread outrage and suspicion. In February 2024, a Magistrate’s Court in Yaba, Lagos, cleared Naira Marley, music promoter Sam Larry, Primeboy, and Mohbad’s former manager of any direct involvement in the death.
A subsequent coroner’s inquest in July 2024, however, recommended criminal prosecution of auxiliary nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who was found to have administered medication to Mohbad without proper authorization. The court described her actions as “grossly negligent” but ruled out foul play or homicide.
Naira Marley’s Version
In the documentary, Naira Marley denied all accusations of bullying or harming Mohbad, insisting he never forced or mistreated the late singer. He claimed to have discovered in 2020 that Mohbad was using a substance known as "Ice" (crystal meth), which the artist said he advised against.
“I wasn’t angry. I called him and explained the dangers,” Naira Marley said.
He also presented evidence showing Mohbad had independently chosen his own manager in July 2020 and that their business dealings were transparent, operating on a 50-50 profit-sharing model. “I paid for everything. All our dealings were plain,” he said.
Mental Health and the NDLEA Incident
Naira Marley addressed Mohbad’s public mental health struggles, including a suicide attempt in March 2022. He recounted how Mohbad had searched online for insecticide Sniper and said he discussed it with the singer’s parents.
He also spoke on the February 2022 NDLEA raid that resulted in the arrest of several Marlian Music artists, including Mohbad, who was allegedly involved in a scuffle with the officers. Following his release, Mohbad made an Instagram Live video where he accused Marley and others of planning to kill him—a statement Marley claims was made during a panic attack.
Despite the fallout, Mohbad remained with the label. Naira Marley claimed he even helped Mohbad seek medical treatment and moved him away from the Marlian house after the NDLEA raid.
Contract Dispute and Final Days
In October 2022, Mohbad formally expressed his desire to leave Marlian Music through his lawyer. Marley said he responded with full financial records. However, in December 2022, Mohbad allegedly withdrew $72,000 from a DSP partner account, prompting the label to withhold further royalties.
“The money wasn’t his,” Marley claimed, adding that communication broke down afterward.
Naira Marley stated he last saw Mohbad on October 4, 2022—the day of a reported altercation between Mohbad and his manager. On the day Mohbad died, Marley said he was in Amsterdam and was shocked to find himself blamed.
Police Detention and Royalties
Marley criticized the police for detaining him for two months upon his voluntary return to Nigeria. He reiterated that he never sent anyone to intimidate Mohbad and believes others who were with the late singer shortly before his death should be questioned.
He concluded by stating that all royalties owed to Mohbad from his time with Marlian Music are still intact, and his lawyer is in communication with the family to facilitate the transfer.
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