Popular Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, has released a two-hour documentary addressing allegations surrounding the death of his former signee, Promise Aloba, aka Mohbad.
In the video released on Wednesday, the Marlian Music boss recounted the late singer’s journey in his record label, while strongly denying claims that he bullied or contributed to Mohbad’s death.
Mohbad, the “KPK” and “Ask About Me” crooner, died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His sudden death sparked widespread outrage, protests, and conspiracy theories across the Nigerian music industry.
Earlier this year, a Lagos Magistrate’s Court cleared Naira Marley, music promoter Sam Larry (Samson Balogun), Mohbad’s friend Primeboy (Ibrahim Owodunni), and former manager Babatunde Opere of any culpability. However, a coroner’s inquest later faulted an auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, for administering injections to Mohbad without a doctor’s prescription, describing her actions as “unlawful and professionally negligent.”
Naira Marley’s Account
In the new documentary, Naira Marley alleged that in June 2020, Mohbad confided in him about using “Ice” (crystal meth). He said he advised the singer against drug use and supported him whenever he battled health and mental challenges.
He also revealed that Mohbad attempted suicide in March 2022 and had, at various points, accused different people including label mates, friends, and even family of plotting against him.
“I never bullied Mohbad, and I never sent anyone to harm him. Our business was transparent; we split income 50-50. I even paid for his treatments and health checks,” Marley stated.
He further denied speculations that Mohbad avoided hospitals out of fear, presenting WhatsApp chats from November 2020 showing the singer had visited one.
On Label Dispute and Royalties
Naira Marley disclosed that in October 2022, Mohbad’s lawyer officially requested his exit from Marlian Music. He claimed that despite disputes over financial transactions, Mohbad’s royalties remain intact and available for collection by his family through legal representation.
The singer also addressed accusations of threatening Mohbad’s life, insisting the allegations stemmed from misunderstandings and online fabrications.
“I was in Amsterdam on the day Mohbad died. Those with him 24 to 48 hours before his death should have been questioned. I had nothing to do with it,” Marley added.
Police Detention and Fallout
The “Soapy” crooner criticised the police for detaining him for two months at Panti, Yaba, after he returned to Nigeria voluntarily to clear his name.
He reiterated that neither he nor Sam Larry orchestrated Mohbad’s death, insisting:
“I’ve never sent anybody to bully him. All royalties from Mohbad’s music are intact, and his family can collect them.”
Mohbad’s death continues to stir emotions in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with calls for justice and tighter regulation of record label contracts. Despite court rulings, public suspicion has lingered, making Naira Marley’s new documentary a significant development in the controversy.
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