Nigerian artist Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has shared his version of events surrounding the death of his former signee, Promise Aloba, widely recognized as Mohbad.
In a recently released two-hour documentary, Naira Marley described Mohbad’s journey under Marlian Music, their professional relationship, and the controversies that followed until his death. He strongly denied accusations of bullying or playing any role in Mohbad’s demise, insisting, “I never harmed him.”
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27.
In February 2024, a Magistrate’s Court in Yaba, Lagos, cleared Naira Marley, music promoter Samson Balogun (Sam Larry), Ibrahim Owodunni (Primeboy), and Mohbad’s former manager, Babatunde Opere, of any involvement in the singer’s death.
By July 2024, a Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu recommended prosecuting auxiliary nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who administered an injection to Mohbad before his passing. Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi concluded that the nurse acted unlawfully and with gross professional negligence.
Naira Marley said he first learned in June 2020 that Mohbad was using a substance known as “Ice” and advised him against it. He emphasized that their business dealings were transparent, with earnings shared equally.
The singer also dismissed claims that Mohbad avoided hospitals, presenting chat evidence from November 2020 showing he had sought medical care.
Regarding the February 2022 NDLEA raid, Marley alleged that Mohbad’s viral Instagram statement, where he claimed his life was in danger, was made during a panic attack and under extreme emotional distress.
According to Naira Marley, Mohbad attempted suicide in March 2022 and later withdrew $72,000 from a streaming platform account without proper authorization, creating financial tensions.
He noted that he was in Amsterdam at the time of Mohbad’s death and insisted that investigations should focus on individuals who were with the singer within the last 48 hours of his life.
Marley criticized the police for detaining him for two months despite the absence of direct evidence and confirmed that Mohbad’s royalties are intact, ready to be collected by his family through their legal representatives.
