Naira Marley Breaks Silence, Shares His Side Of The Story On Mohbad’s Death

Popular Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, has released a two-hour documentary narrating his side of the events surrounding the death of his former signee, Promise Aloba (Mohbad).

The Marlian Records boss, who has faced intense scrutiny since the tragic passing of Mohbad on September 12, 2023, denied allegations that he bullied or had a hand in the death of the 27-year-old “Ask About Me” and “KPK” crooner.

Speaking in the documentary released on Wednesday, Naira Marley recalled how Mohbad started his career under Marlian Music, their business dealings, and the controversies that later strained their relationship.

“I never bullied Mohbad. I never killed him. I’ve never sent anyone to hurt him,” Naira Marley said.

Court Rulings and Coroner’s Verdict

Earlier this year, a Magistrate’s Court in Yaba, Lagos, acquitted Naira Marley, Sam Larry (Samson Balogun), Primeboy (Ibrahim Owodunni), and Mohbad’s former manager, Babatunde Opere of any involvement in the singer’s death.

In July, however, the Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu indicted an auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, for gross negligence in administering an injection to Mohbad without a doctor’s prescription. While the court ruled out foul play, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi held that Ogedengbe’s actions were both “unlawful and professionally negligent.”

Drug Use and Mental Struggles

Naira Marley disclosed that he discovered Mohbad was using “Ice” (crystal meth) in 2020 and tried to counsel him.

“He told me he started it because of stress, but he promised to quit. I didn’t force him to do anything,” he said.

The “Soapy” crooner also alleged that Mohbad once attempted suicide in 2022 and had searched online for a deadly insecticide. He claimed he discussed the matter with Mohbad’s parents, and they agreed the singer needed professional help.

Business Disputes

On the business front, Naira Marley said he ensured transparency in their partnership, running a 50-50 profit-sharing arrangement. He revealed Mohbad once withdrew $72,000 from a digital streaming partner, which, according to him, did not belong solely to the late artist.

“We had to hold some of his royalties until the money was returned. All his royalties remain intact and can be collected by his family through their lawyer,” he explained.

The NDLEA Incident and Fallout

He also revisited the February 2022 NDLEA raid on the Marlian house, during which Zinoleesky, Subomi, and Mohbad were arrested. According to him, Mohbad’s Instagram live session accusing Marlian Music of threatening his life was made under duress and during a panic attack.

Naira Marley added that after the incident, Mohbad, alongside his parents and girlfriend Wunmi, apologized, but tensions lingered until Mohbad formally sought to terminate his contract with Marlian Music in October 2022.

Denial of Involvement in Death

Reiterating his innocence, Naira Marley said he was in Amsterdam when Mohbad died and insisted the people who were with the singer within 48 hours before his death should have been the first suspects.

He also criticized the police for detaining him for two months in Panti, Yaba, despite what he described as a lack of evidence against him.

“I expected the police to investigate those around him at the time. Instead, they detained me. I came back to Nigeria to clear my name, not to hide,” he said.

Moving Forward

While stressing that he had no ill will toward his late signee, Naira Marley said he believed Sam Larry also had no role in Mohbad’s demise. He closed by affirming that Mohbad’s royalties remain untouched and available for his family.