Lagos, Aug. 20, 2025 — Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, has urged the police to reopen the investigation into the death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
In a video message posted on his YouTube channel on Tuesday, Marley asked the Lagos State Police Command to re-arrest him, music promoter Sam Larry, and others previously linked to the case. He said a renewed investigation, led by what he described as a “trusted officer,” would clear lingering doubts about the circumstances of Mohbad’s death.
“I came back to Nigeria to support the police,” Marley said. “If you ask me, I will tell the police to arrest everybody again. Put an officer we can trust in charge. I have nothing to hide.”
The singer stressed that he had not been in contact with Mohbad for over a year before the tragedy and described his initial detention in 2023 as unfair. According to him, his passport was withheld and his reputation damaged despite what he maintains was his innocence.
Marley also revealed he had reached an agreement with Mohbad’s lawyer to transfer his royalties to whichever family member the courts officially recognize as the late artist’s next of kin.
Legal Background
Mohbad, a rising star in Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene, died in September 2023 under controversial circumstances, sparking public outcry and months of speculation. His death was followed by a coroner’s inquest and a police investigation that initially saw Marley, Larry, and several others detained.
In February 2025, a Lagos magistrate court discharged Marley, Larry, and others after the Directorate of Public Prosecutions advised that they had no case to answer. However, two individuals — an auxiliary nurse and a close associate of Mohbad — were recommended for trial over alleged negligence.
Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, challenged the decision, insisting that it was premature and undermined the coroner’s inquest. On July 2, the Lagos High Court upheld the DPP’s legal advice and confirmed the discharge of Marley and the others, though without granting them a full acquittal. The family has since vowed to appeal.
A Divisive Case
The case has continued to divide public opinion. While some fans believe Marley and his associates were unfairly targeted, others argue that justice has not been served and that questions remain unanswered.
By openly calling for a fresh round of arrests and a new investigation, Marley says he hopes to restore trust in the process. “This is bigger than me,” he said in his message. “It’s about justice for Mohbad and peace for everyone who loved him.”
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