Fifteen months after his premature loss of life, Nigerian musician Mohbad is but to seek out peace—actually. Born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba in Ketu, Lagos State, Mohbad rose to fame along with his hit songs Really feel Good” and “KPK (Ko Por Ke)’’ and was identified for his distinctive mix of Afro Pop and avenue music.
Followers hoped 2024 could be the yr justice lastly prevailed, however as a substitute, the yr ends along with his physique nonetheless unburied and questions surrounding his loss of life unanswered.
The 27-year-old rising star died on 12 September 2023 below suspicious circumstances after remedy from an unlicensed nurse. An post-mortem was carried out that very same month, however the outcomes had been deemed inconclusive as a result of superior state of decomposition of his physique. In loss of life, Mohbad achieved the worldwide recognition he had lengthy sought, turning into the forty sixth best-selling digital artiste on the planet inside every week of his passing. This can be a testomony to his expertise and the profound affect on the music business, a void that continues to be unfilled.
Regardless of the present state of affairs, 2025 may carry the closure followers search. The general public’s demand for justice is palpable, a testomony to Mohbad’s affect on his viewers. For now, his story is a stark reminder of the necessity for swift justice within the face of tragedy.
On this article, PREMIUM TIMES highlights the principal characters within the #JusticeForMohbad.
Naira Marley (Azeez Fashola):
Because the founding father of Marlian Data, Naira Marley performed a key function in launching Mohbad’s music profession. Nonetheless, their skilled relationship soured, resulting in Mohbad leaving the label in 2022. After his departure, Mohbad accused Naira Marley of orchestrating assaults towards him, claims that Naira Marley denied.
Following Mohbad’s loss of life in September 2023, public outrage and suspicion grew because of their troubled historical past. Many accused Naira Marley of being concerned, however he publicly denied any function in Mohbad’s loss of life or harming him whereas alive.
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On 4 October 2023, Naira Marley voluntarily turned himself in to help police investigations. He was detained alongside his affiliate, Sam Larry, who was arrested on 28 September 2023.
They had been held for alleged involvement within the occasions surrounding Mohbad’s loss of life. Throughout detention, Naira Marley maintained his innocence and launched an “Official Interview” music video to deal with the accusations.
He tagged the claims baseless, expressed frustration over the controversy, and prayed for the reality to emerge. After roughly 44 days in custody, Naira Marley and Sam Larry had been granted bail on 18 November 2023.
Put up-release, Naira Marley pursued authorized motion to defend his status. On 31 October 2023, he and Sam Larry sued the Lagos State Police and a Justice of the Peace for N20 million in damages over their extended detention. He additionally filed a N500 million defamation lawsuit towards actress Iyabo Ojo for linking him to Mohbad’s loss of life, demanding a public apology for her statements.
Sam Larry (Samson Balogun):
Identical to his affiliate, Naira Marley, music promoter Sam Larry got here below intense scrutiny following the loss of life. Accused of being concerned in incidents that troubled the late singer, Larry’s identify surfaced in allegations and police investigations.
In June 2023, Mohbad filed a petition accusing Larry of main an armed group to disrupt his video shoot, damaging property and issuing threats to his life. The petition, extensively publicised after Mohbad’s loss of life, gained recent traction and highlighted ongoing tensions between Sam Larry and the singer.
On 28 September 2023, Larry was detained by the Lagos State Police as a part of investigations into Mohbad’s loss of life. Throughout his roughly 21-day detention, Larry denied involvement in Mohbad’s loss of life, asserting that any disagreements he had with the late singer had been strictly skilled. He was launched on bail in November 2023 after spending 50 days in custody. Regardless of his launch, Sam Larry confronted relentless backlash on-line. Social media posts entice curses and hostile feedback, and Mohbad’s mom accused him and Naira Marley of creating her son’s life tough.
Larry has tried to rebuild his status, together with embarking on a Hajj pilgrimage and fascinating in philanthropy, however the public stays largely unforgiving. He has known as for an finish to false accusations and mentioned he’s entrusting his status to God. Nonetheless, the controversies surrounding him proceed to overshadow his philanthropic gestures.
Prime Boy (Owodunni Ibrahim):
Prime Boy, the late singer’s childhood pal, was carefully related to Marlian Data and had ties with Naira Marley.
Following Mohbad’s loss of life on 12 September 2023, social media rumours steered a fallout between the 2, which Prime Boy denied, insisting they had been on good phrases. On 4 October 2023, the Lagos State Police declared him needed for failing to answer invites for questioning concerning Mohbad’s loss of life. A N1 million bounty was introduced for info resulting in his arrest.
Inside 24 hours, Prime Boy turned himself in and was detained for interrogation. Earlier than being declared needed, he launched a tribute music, Tribute to Mohbad, highlighting their friendship and Mohbad’s struggles. Regardless of this, public suspicion continued, fuelled by accusations from Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi.
In October, Prime Boy filed a lawsuit towards the Nigerian Police, alleging a violation of his rights and searching for to take away his identify from the needed listing. Whereas the police assured a radical investigation, Prime Boy’s status faces challenges amidst ongoing public scrutiny.
Mohbad’s Father (Joseph Aloba):
If there’s one individual on the forefront of the Justice for Mohbad motion, it’ll be Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba. Earlier than Mohbad’s physique was exhumed weeks after his loss of life, Mr Aloba confronted criticism for the swift burying of Mohbad lower than 24 hours after his loss of life. Mr Aloba defended his resolution, citing Yoruba customs that mandate immediate burial when each dad and mom are alive.
Within the months following the tragedy, Mr Aloba has constantly known as for justice, launching a GoFundMe marketing campaign to help efforts to uncover the reality about Mohbad’s demise. He has additionally been vocal in media interviews, shedding mild on Mohbad’s adolescence, profession, and struggles.
Mr Aloba’s relationship with Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi, has been strained, with accusations of dishonesty and insensitivity surrounding the occasions resulting in the singer’s loss of life.
In November 2023, Mr Aloba participated in inspecting Mohbad’s exhumed stays in the course of the post-mortem, reiterating his dedication to the investigation. He insisted that no reburial ought to happen with out his consent to make sure correct procedures had been adopted.
He additionally addressed allegations questioning his paternity after Mohbad’s mom alleged he was not the organic father. Aloba refuted these claims, affirming his connection to the late singer.
All through the investigation, Mr Aloba has remained vocal on social media, public platforms, and media rounds, emphasising his need for justice and maintaining his son’s case within the highlight.
Mohbad’s Mom (Abosede Olumiyi):
Abosede Olumiyi, Mohbad’s mum, publicly mourned his loss as she didn’t reconcile with him earlier than his passing.
She has been vocal in demanding justice for Mohbad, urging authorities to conduct a radical investigation into the circumstances of his loss of life. Mrs Olumiyi has additionally highlighted Mohbad’s challenges within the music business, together with conflicts along with his former report label boss, Naira Marley.
In March 2024, she mirrored on her estranged relationship along with her son, revealing that that they had restricted contact for a few years. She expressed remorse over the gap between them and her lack of knowledge of the struggles he endured.
Her relationship with Mohbad’s father has additionally been a competition; she criticised his absence throughout Mohbad’s youth, stating she was the first caregiver. She raised issues about Mr Aloba’s involvement in Mohbad’s enterprise affairs, which she discovered troubling.
The singer’s mother has remained a central determine within the case, sharing her feelings and insights whereas persevering with to name for justice for her late son.
Wunmi (Mohbad’s Widow):
Mohbad’s widow, Omowunmi Aloba, has confronted immense grief whereas elevating their son, Liam, who was born in April 2023.
She has been energetic in immortalising Mohbad and searching for justice for his loss of life, typically utilizing social media to share her feelings and garner public help. On the primary anniversary of Mohbad’s passing, she wrote a poignant tribute expressing her enduring love and sorrow and reflecting on the vacancy left by his absence.
In October 2024, rumours surfaced that Wunmi was pregnant, sparking combined reactions. Wunmi addressed the rumours on Instagram, stating she prioritises her well-being over public opinion.
Regardless of the challenges, Wunmi demonstrated resilience by launching a hairline in November 2024. She shared that navigating life as a mom and father to their son had been tough, however her new enterprise was a step ahead. The initiative garnered widespread help and reward.
Amid ongoing hypothesis about Liam’s paternity, in October, the household lawyer introduced that Wunmi agreed to a DNA take a look at to place the rumours to relaxation and supply readability. All through the ordeal, she has strongly advocated for her late husband’s legacy and justice.
Wunmi’s Sister (Karimot)
Karimot, the sister of Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi, was each a help determine and a controversial presence within the aftermath of the singer’s loss of life. Initially, Karimot stood by her sister, providing emotional and logistical help in the course of the difficult interval and becoming a member of public appeals for a radical investigation into Mohbad’s passing.
Nonetheless, Karimot later accused Wunmi of being concerned in Mohbad’s loss of life. She alleged {that a} heated argument between the couple escalated right into a bodily altercation, resulting in medical intervention that she alleges contributed to Mohbad’s demise. Karimot additionally accused Wunmi of taking Mohbad’s cellphone from his mom and diverting his funds into an account of their mom’s identify.
Wunmi has denied all allegations, sustaining her innocence and expressing deep grief over her husband’s loss of life. She has chosen to not interact immediately with Karimot’s claims, focusing as a substitute on mourning and preserving Mohbad’s legacy. These accusations have added complexity to the household’s efforts to seek out justice and closure.
Yomi Fabiyi
Yomi Fabiyi, Nigerian actor and producer, has been an outspoken advocate for justice following Mohbad’s loss of life. He actively used his platform to name for a complete investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s loss of life, demanding transparency and accountability from the authorities.
Along with his public statements, Fabiyi organised and took part in protests to push for justice for Mohbad. He has additionally known as for systemic adjustments throughout the leisure business to raised shield artists from exploitation and hurt.
In October 2024, Fabiyi alleged that Mohbad’s neighbour had obtained a threatening message which warned of surveillance and potential hurt. He claimed the message was despatched simply earlier than a gathering with the CCTV technician from Mohbad’s home to evaluate footage which may make clear Mohbad’s loss of life. Fabiyi expressed issues for his security and fled from Nigeria, stating that he was on the run because of threats towards him.
All through his advocacy, Fabiyi has addressed a number of elements of the case, together with the paternity of Mohbad’s baby, whereas persevering with to guide efforts for justice and maintaining the general public knowledgeable.
VDM and Iyabo Ojo:
VeryDarkMan (VDM) and Iyabo Ojo, distinguished figures within the Nigerian leisure business, are united on the #JusticeForMohbad trigger however divided by private beliefs. Following Mohbad’s loss of life, Iyabo visited the singer’s household to supply condolences and met along with his mom.
She intervened in disputes between Mohbad’s mom and widow, Wunmi. Iyabo additionally visited the Lagos State authorities secretariat to debate Mohbad’s case, utilizing her platform to advocate for justice.
The duo used their platforms to amplify requires justice, stressing the significance of a radical investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohabd’s demise.
They’ve additionally advocated for reforms throughout the leisure business, calling for higher safety and help for entertainers. Mohbad’s case was highlighted as a catalyst for mandatory adjustments in business follow.
Nonetheless, VDM and Iyabo’s relationship has been fraught with public disputes. VDM accused Iyabo of manipulating Mohbad’s widow by allegedly accessing her (Wunmi) Instagram account. VDM claimed to have proof of Iyabo’s involvement in managing Wunmi’s account, a declare Iyabo debunked.
In response, Iyabo publicly criticised VDM, calling him manipulative, deceitful, and poisonous, accusing him of tarnishing his status to achieve relevance. In November, Iyabo addressed rumours linking her to Mohbad’s loss of life. Throughout an interview with comic AY, she denied the allegations, emphasising that she was overseas when Mohbad died. She additionally questioned the logic behind the accusations, mentioning her help for the exhumation of Mohbad’s physique, which she argued wouldn’t have occurred if she had been concerned in his loss of life. Iyabo additionally criticised the inconsistency within the actions of Mohbad’s household and urged the general public to be cautious with the knowledge circulating on social media.
Lagos State Authorities and Police
The singer’s loss of life additionally led to a complete investigation by the Lagos State Police Command. This directive was given on 16 September 2023 amid rising public concern and hypothesis concerning the reason for his demise.
The investigation was initiated promptly by the appearing Inspector-Normal of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, who directed the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, to completely examine the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s loss of life.
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The Lagos State Authorities pledged its full help to make sure a swift and unbiased investigation. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu met with the State Commissioner of Police to strategise on the following steps. The federal government dedicated to offering the required sources to assist the investigative course of.
As a part of the continuing investigation, Mohbad’s physique was exhumed on 21 September 2023, and an post-mortem was carried out on the identical day. The post-mortem was carried out to find out the precise reason behind loss of life, and the physique was subsequently returned to the mortuary. The police emphasised that the investigation was ongoing, with the authorities vowing to uncover the reality.
On 4 October 2023, Primeboy was declared needed by the police for questioning and was later arrested and interrogated. Additional developments within the investigation revealed that Mohbad’s situation worsened after receiving an injection from an auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who turned a key suspect.
A coroner’s inquest was additionally pursued in response to rising requires justice, together with from the Division of State Companies (DSS) and human rights lawyer Femi Falana. The investigation into Mohbad’s loss of life mirrored the depth of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, with many teams warning of escalating unrest if justice was not served.
All through the investigation, Mohbad’s widow supplied useful testimony explaining her husband’s struggles after leaving Naira Marley’s report label. She revealed that he had been in good well being earlier than becoming a member of the label however had skilled monetary hardships and isolation afterwards. The continuing investigation continues to gasoline public curiosity as many await solutions concerning Mohbad’s premature loss of life.
Once more, Mohbad’s justice lingers like a music caught on repeat—haunting, unresolved, and filled with what-ifs. Because the clock ticks towards 2025, followers marvel: Will the brand new yr carry the peace they’ve longed for, or will the questions persist unanswered?
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