The Police Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has announced that the force will investigate the petition filed by the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, against music promoter, Samson Balogun, aka Sam Larry.
Mohbad’s petition, which surfaced online after his death, alleged threats to his life by Sam Larry and 15 others. According to the petition, Sam Larry and his associates reportedly disrupted a video shoot in which Mohbad and another artiste, Zlatan Ibile, were involved, resorting to violence.
FPRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi shared a copy of the petition on his social media account and stated, “We will look into the alleged police negligence on this case.”
The Lagos Annex of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Zone 2, Alagbon, which received the petition on June 27, had already invited Sam Larry and others for questioning. However, Mohbad did not appear for the scheduled interview.
Adejobi further commented, saying, “We also need to know why he declined the invitation or appearance at the office. There are many things to find out and clarify. And all will be done.”
Mohbad, formerly associated with Marlian Records owned by Naira Marley, passed away at the age of 27 under suspicious circumstances. His untimely death has led to calls for a thorough investigation and inquiry.
In response to his death, a group of youths in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, held a peaceful protest demanding justice. They wore black T-shirts and carried placards with messages such as “Justice for Mohbad,” “Government must arrest Naira Marley and Sam Larry,” “Who killed Mohbad?” and “No more Marlian.” The protesting youths insisted that the Nigeria Police should hold Marley and Larry accountable and also invite other individuals mentioned in connection with the singer’s death for questioning.
“We are here to give him last respect. At the same time, we are here to make sure justice is being served because we really want to know what’s behind his death because we are not expecting him to leave so soon,” one of the protesting youths said.
Another protester, Ibunkun Adedayo, urged the government to launch an investigation and explain what happened to the music star to Nigerians.
“We are expecting a lot from the government, from the family and from the fans and people who chose to say ‘I love Mohbad, I love Mohbad, I love his song.’ So, what I’m expecting now is that I want everybody to actually have a clearer picture of what really happened to Mohbad,” Adedayo added.
On his part, Ayo Micheal said, “We are in pain!! Mohbad must not die in vain. We want the government to arrest Naira Marley and Sam Larry. Let them fish them out from their hiding places.”
The youths dared Naira Marley and Sam Larry to come out of their hiding and face the Nigerian youths.
The Nigeria police force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other sister organisations were visible on the ground to ensure that the protest was not hijacked.
Youths also gathered in Akure, the Ondo State capital and Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, as they rallied to demand justice for the late singer.
In Akure, some youths who wore black shirts to mourn the deceased moved from streets to streets, while those in Ado Ekiti were seen at the Fuji Pavilion area holding candles and demanding justice.
“We started the movement from Midas Hotel Junction, Adebayo and ended it at Fajuyi Pavillion, Ado Ekiti,” one of the protesters, identified simply as Aare told one of our correspondents.
In another development, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has invited the Department of Security Services to join in investigating the circumstance that led to the death of singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
This was contained in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, on Tuesday.
The state governor also commiserated with the family and fans of the former Marlian Records signee.
“We feel the pains of losing such a talented and promising young man, who made a name for himself in a highly competitive industry. May the Almighty grant his soul rest and comfort his bereaved family and fans,” the statement reads.
In addition to the police special investigative team in Lagos to probe the death of Mohbad, “Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has invited the DSS to join the investigation and widen the dragnet with inter-agency collaboration and use of best-in-class technology to unearth the truth.
“Mr. Sanwo-Olu has directed that those who may have played any role whatsoever in any event leading to the death of MohBad be made to face the law after a thorough investigation.
“Consequently, the DSS has also joined the investigation so as to get justice for the youngster, his family and teeming fans,” it added.
In a related development, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has taken action by writing to the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, requesting a coroner’s inquest into the untimely death of the late popular musician.
This request comes in the wake of the musician’s passing on September 12, 2023, with his burial taking place the following day. Falana’s formal demand for a coroner’s inquest was conveyed through a letter addressed to the Chief Coroner, High Court of Lagos State, located in Ikeja.
