As the investigation into the tragic passing of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as MohBad, continues, additional details concerning his association with his former label boss, Afeeze Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, are coming to light.
In an exclusive conversation with social commentator Reno Omokri, Naira Marley addressed various concerns and speculations that arose both before and after MohBad’s demise.
MohBad tragically passed away on September 12, 2023, leaving behind a five-month-old son. Prior to his untimely death, he shared several videos displaying injuries on his body, alleging that he had been assaulted by individuals reportedly associated with Marlian Music, the record label owned by Naira Marley.
MohBad had signed a record deal with Naira Marley’s label in 2019 but departed in 2022 due to issues related to his desire for a change in management.
Here are seven key points from Naira Marley’s interview with Omokri, which was released on Wednesday, September 27.
(1) Naira Marley maintained his innocence in the circumstances that led to MohBad’s death. He added that he had been abroad since August 31, visiting family, and had yet to return.
(2) The Marlian Music boss also addressed a now-viral clip of MohBad asking people to hold Marlian Music responsible should he lose his life.
During the interview, Naira Marley offered insights into the circumstances surrounding MohBad’s distressing video clip. According to Naira Marley, MohBad’s anxiety and fear led him to create the video. This occurred shortly after authorities from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency apprehended some individuals associated with the Marlian Music label.
Naira Marley revealed that he had a meeting with MohBad upon his return to Nigeria. During this meeting, MohBad reportedly expressed his regrets for mentioning Naira Marley’s name and that of the music label in the video. This suggests that MohBad may have felt pressured or worried about the implications of his statements and actions in the video and wanted to rectify the situation.
“When I got back, I met him, and he said he did not understand and apologised. I Have videos of me speaking with him,” Naira Marley stated.
(3) Naira Marley also alleged that MohBad was suicidal. He recounted a discussion with MohBad’s partner, who confirmed the singer was suicidal. According to Naira Marley, his troubles came mainly from his family.
“I was in America when his girl called me to tell me that he had locked himself in the toilet and attempted to kill himself.”
(4) Naira Marley also talked about MohBad’s mental health struggles, adding that the deceased’s parents were aware of it.
“He wanted to commit suicide again. I had to look out for him, so I tried finding out what was wrong with him so I could help, but he (MohBad) said only his parents knew what was wrong with him.
“I spoke to the parents, and they said they noticed he is not okay, but they need to take him somewhere for treatment.”
(5)Naira Marley also denied assaulting Mohbad. The artiste also confirmed his friendship with Samson Eletu, aka Sam Larry, also fingered in MohBad’s death.
(6) On Speculations that he receives royalties on MohBad’s records, Naira Marley denied this claim, saying he does not get paid for music released after the deceased departed from his label in 2022.
(7) Naira Marley also addressed rumours claiming he is responsible for DJ Splash’s ill health. According to the ‘Soapy’ crooner, this is a lie.
“DJ Splash was never signed to Marlian Music. He is not my DJ, and he got the name following a picture he took with me.
“When what happened to him, he was not at my house. I have no idea where all this is coming from. They are all lies.”
