The Lagos State Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, has officially exonerated Nigerian singer Abdulazeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, along with music promoter Samson Balogun Eletu (aka Sam Larry) and Owodunni Ibrahim (alias Primeboy) from allegations related to the death of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad.
Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje delivered the ruling on Tuesday, citing legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Lagos, which indicated that there was no case against the trio in connection with Mohbad’s demise.
In addition to Naira Marley and his associates, Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde, was also cleared of any criminal liability. However, the DPP announced that two individuals will face prosecution: Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad prior to his death, and Ayobami Sadiq, a friend of the late singer. They have been charged with reckless and negligent acts under Section 251 (e) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015, and their trial is set to take place in the Magistrate Court.
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Mohbad tragically passed away on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances that have sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. The musician, who was a former signee of Naira Marley’s Marlian Records, had previously expressed concerns about threats to his life. Following his death, videos and social media testimonies emerged, implicating Naira Marley and Sam Larry in alleged harassment and intimidation of Mohbad.
The public outcry following Mohbad’s death led to protests nationwide, with fans demanding accountability from those believed to be involved in the circumstances surrounding his passing. In the wake of these events, the Lagos State Police Command arrested Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and others while awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
With this recent ruling, the names of Naira Marley and his associates have been cleared, yet it raises unsettling questions regarding the delivery of justice in this high-profile case.
The decision to prosecute only the auxiliary nurse and Mohbad’s friend has sparked speculation about whether key figures may have evaded responsibility, leaving many to wonder if justice will truly be served in the wake of this tragic incident.
