By Mister Benjamins, ThisIsHipHopHQ

In a dramatic turn of events, Nigerian artist Naira Marley (Azeez Fashola) has been officially cleared of any involvement in the death of his former signee, Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba), by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Yaba Magistrate Court delivered the verdict on February 25, 2025, also exonerating music promoter Sam Larry (Samson Balogun) and Primeboy (Owodunni Ibrahim).

Mohbad, a 27-year-old rising Afrobeats and street-hop star, tragically passed away on September 12, 2023, sparking massive outrage, conspiracy theories, and protests across Nigeria. Many initially pointed fingers at Naira Marley, citing the turbulent history between the two artists. However, following an extensive investigation, authorities found no evidence linking Marley or his associates to Mohbad’s untimely passing.

The Court’s Ruling: What Really Happened?

According to official legal documents, the Lagos State DPP concluded that:

• Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and Primeboy had no criminal responsibility in Mohbad’s death.
• The cause of death was linked to medical negligence, not physical assault or foul play.
• The auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who administered an injection to Mohbad on the day he died, will face prosecution for negligence.
• Mohbad’s friend, Ayobami Sadiq, is also set to be charged for reckless acts contributing to the singer’s death.

This ruling contradicts earlier viral claims and accusations that Mohbad was physically attacked before his death. The initial autopsy results were inconclusive, adding to the chaos and misinformation surrounding the case.

Naira Marley Breaks His Silence: “You Let Them Call Me a Killer”

Following months of intense scrutiny and public outrage, Naira Marley took to social media to express his pain, frustration, and betrayal over how the situation unfolded. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

“I never thought silence could be so loud. I never thought someone I called my brother, someone I protected, would leave this world with my name in his shadow. I have carried this weight, this pain, this shame that was never mine to bear.”

The ex-Marlian Records boss emphasized that while his relationship with Mohbad was rocky, they had reconciled before his death. He accused certain individuals of fueling false narratives that led to his arrest, detention, and character assassination.

“You let them tear me apart. You let them call me a killer while you sat there, knowing the truth. Now you tell the story?”

During the height of the scandal, videos resurfaced showing Mohbad being physically attacked, with many alleging that Sam Larry, a close associate of Naira Marley, was responsible. However, the DPP investigation found no direct connection between these past incidents and Mohbad’s cause of death.

Naira Marley further stated:

“I stood before the justice system, spent time in jail, and faced everything head-on while you changed the story again and again. But God sees all. The truth does not shake. The lies will fade, and time will reveal everything.”

Mohbad’s Death: A Dark Chapter in Nigerian Music

Mohbad’s death shook the Nigerian entertainment industry and led to nationwide protests demanding #JusticeForMohbad. Fans and fellow artists called for a transparent investigation after disturbing videos and voice notes of the late singer’s pleas for help surfaced online.

Mohbad, who left Marlian Records in 2022, had repeatedly alleged physical and financial abuse from his former label. Unpaid royalties, contract disputes, and alleged threats added fuel to the speculation that his former associates had a hand in his death.

However, the court’s ruling now shifts the focus to potential medical negligence, rather than industry violence.

Industry Reactions: What’s Next for Naira Marley and Marlian Records?

The Nigerian music industry is divided over the ruling. While some believe justice has been served, others argue that many questions remain unanswered.

Industry leaders, artists, and fans reacted differently:

• Zlatan Ibile, a close friend of Mohbad, stated: “No matter what the court says, Mohbad deserved better. Let’s never forget that.”
• DJ Switch, known for exposing injustices, tweeted: “So, after all this, it was just a ‘medical issue’? This country sha.”
• Ayo Shonaiya, a music executive, posted: “Lesson learned: The music business is ruthless. Read your contracts. Protect yourself.”

For Naira Marley, this ruling means a chance at redemption, but the damage to his brand, label, and reputation is undeniable. Marlian Records has lost key artists, credibility, and public trust since the scandal broke. Can he recover? Only time will tell.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Nigerian Artists

The tragic saga surrounding Mohbad’s death highlights major flaws in the Nigerian music industry, including:

• Poor contracts and exploitation of young artists.
• Lack of legal protection for artists exiting record deals.
• The dangerous mix of music, money, and street politics.
• The need for better healthcare access and emergency response for musicians.

For upcoming artists, this serves as a wake-up call:

🎤 Know your rights before signing contracts.
🎤 Surround yourself with trustworthy people.
🎤 Speak out early if you feel unsafe.

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