Nigerian music star Naira Marley has finally spoken publicly about the death of his former signee Mohbad, releasing a detailed video statement that sheds new light on the troubled final years of their professional relationship and the circumstances surrounding the young artist’s tragic demise.
The 33-minute YouTube video, released in the early hours of Wednesday, marks the first comprehensive public response from the Marlian Music boss since 27-year-old Ilerioluwa Aloba, known professionally as Mohbad, died on September 12, 2023.
The statement comes months after a Lagos Magistrate’s Court acquitted Naira Marley and music promoter Sam Larry of any culpability in the singer’s death.
A Relationship Marred by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Struggles
According to Naira Marley’s account, the relationship began to deteriorate in June 2020 when he discovered that Mohbad was using methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice.” Rather than taking punitive action, the label boss claims he approached the situation with concern, offering advice about the dangers of drug use.
“I wasn’t angry; I called him and advised him and told him about the danger. He said he got into it because of stress, but said he would stay out of it,” Naira Marley stated in the video, attempting to portray himself as a supportive mentor rather than an exploitative industry figure.
The situation escalated dramatically following a February 24, 2022, raid by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the Marlian Music headquarters. While Naira Marley was reportedly in Sweden at the time, Mohbad was detained alongside labelmate Zinoleesky after allegedly having a physical altercation with officers.
The Instagram Live Incident That Changed Everything
Perhaps the most damaging moment in their relationship occurred when Mohbad, while experiencing what Naira Marley described as a “panic attack,” went live on Instagram immediately after his release from NDLEA custody. In a statement that would haunt both artists, Mohbad declared, “If I die, everybody knows Marlian Music and Naira Marley killed me.”
Naira Marley claims this accusation was made “under duress” and during a state of “psychosis,” suggesting that Mohbad was not in his right mind when he made the inflammatory statement. The label boss noted that during the same live session, Mohbad also accused his girlfriend, other label artists, and even their wives, indicating the scattered nature of his allegations.
Financial Disputes and Contractual Issues
The video reveals significant financial tensions between the two artists. Naira Marley disclosed that their business arrangement involved a 50-50 split of earnings, with him covering all upfront costs. However, he alleges that in December 2022, Mohbad improperly withdrew $72,000 from a digital service provider partner.
“All these monies he took were not his. We had to hold some of his royalty payment till he returned the money he took,” Naira Marley explained, suggesting that financial disputes continued even after Mohbad’s lawyer formally requested his release from the label in October 2022.
Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Attempt
The most troubling revelation in Naira Marley’s account is the disclosure that Mohbad attempted suicide on March 27, 2022. The label boss, who was in Puerto Rico at the time, claims he subsequently discovered that Mohbad had been searching online for “Sniper,” a deadly insecticide commonly used in suicide attempts in Nigeria.
This revelation adds a tragic dimension to the narrative, suggesting that Mohbad was struggling with severe mental health issues in the months leading up to his eventual death. Naira Marley claims he worked with Mohbad’s parents to provide support and remove him from potentially harmful situations.
The Final Confrontation and Separation
The professional relationship effectively ended after what Naira Marley describes as a “fateful day” when an intoxicated Mohbad came to the Marlian Music offices to confront his manager. Following this incident, Mohbad took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Naira Marley of threatening his life over his desire to change management.
Naira Marley’s last personal contact with Mohbad occurred on October 4, 2022—nearly a year before the young artist’s death. This timeline is significant, as it suggests that despite ongoing financial and legal disputes, there was no recent personal interaction between the two men.
Legal Vindication and Ongoing Questions
The February court ruling that acquitted Naira Marley and his associates of wrongdoing in Mohbad’s death provides legal backing for his version of events. However, the case is far from closed. A Coroner’s Court has recommended criminal prosecution of Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad shortly before his death, citing “gross negligence” in administering injections without proper medical supervision.
While the court ruled out foul play or homicide, the ruling that the nurse’s actions were “unlawful and professionally negligent” keeps questions about the circumstances of Mohbad’s death very much alive.
Industry Implications and Public Perception
Naira Marley’s decision to speak out publicly reflects the enormous pressure he has faced since Mohbad’s death, including two months of detention at Panti police station in Lagos. His statement represents an attempt to reshape public perception and demonstrate transparency in his business dealings.
The case has highlighted broader issues within Nigeria’s music industry, including artist welfare, mental health support, and the power dynamics between record labels and their signees. The tragic death of a promising young artist has sparked conversations about the responsibility of industry figures to protect and support vulnerable talent.
As the music industry continues to grapple with these issues, Naira Marley’s statement, while providing his perspective, is unlikely to fully resolve the questions surrounding one of Nigeria’s most high-profile entertainment industry tragedies.
The promised transfer of Mohbad’s outstanding royalties to his family may provide some measure of closure, but the scars left by this case will likely influence how the industry approaches artist welfare for years to come.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Naira Marley has finally broken his silence on Mohbad’s death, revealing a troubled relationship marked by drug abuse, mental health crises, and financial disputes.
