Naira Marley promises full cooperation with the police over Mohbad in bid to clear his name

MARLIAN Records owner and musician Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley has pledged to fully cooperate with the police in the recent investigation of the death of Ilerioulwa Aloba otherwise known as Mohbad in a bid to clear his name.

On September 12, Mohbad, 27, passed away at a Lagos hospital after being treated for an infection. His death is being treated as suspicious by his fans, especially as it comes in the wake of a very public falling out between Mohbad and his mentor, singer and songwriter Naira Marley.

After two years of working together, Mohbad announced he was leaving Naira Marley's  Marlian Records. On 5 October 2022, Mohbad then accused Naira Marley of assault, stating that his former boss ordered people to beat him up after he announced his intention to employ a different manager to handle his music and business affairs.

Nigerian celebrities and aggrieved music fans took to the streets to demand justice for the late singer. Responding to this pressure, the Lagos State police commissioner put together a 13-man investigation team headed by assistant commissioner of police Saheed Kassim to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death.

In a statement on his Instagram handle, Naira Marley said that he was ready to assist the police investigation surrounding the death of Mohbad. He expressed his readiness to assist relevant agencies in the investigation process.

Naira Marley said: “In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events. I am fully cooperating with the police team and I certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when l have no hand in his death.”

“In due time, the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth. This kind of scenario of attempting to set someone up is not novel in the industry as other great musicians have experienced the same and came out better and stronger. Mine will not be an exception as I am innocent of the accusations.”

He added that since Mohbad left his label in September 2022 and they accepted his departure, Marlian Music did not stop or interfere with his career. Mohbad’s corpse has been exhumed and medical experts have successfully concluded an autopsy on the body.