Azeez Adeshina Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, a Nigerian rapper, has said that if the security services can ensure his safety, he will give himself in to be examined about claims that he was involved in the killing of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, nicknamed Mohbad.
As you may remember, there have been calls for Naira Marley to be looked into in connection with Mohbad’s death for reportedly funding hoodlums to intimidate and threaten the late singer after he controversially left his record company, Marlian Music, in 2022.
Naira Marley said he was willing to submit himself for investigation on the condition that his safety is ensured in an interview with Reno Omokri on Wednesday night.
He claimed that since August 31, 2023, he has been abroad and that he only learned of Mohbad’s passing through social media.
He said,
“I was out of Nigeria from the 31st of August. I’ve been with my family up till date. I haven’t been to Nigeria [since then] that’s one.
“Two, He [Mohbad] has left Marlian Music since… I don’t know the particular date but since 2022, he has left Marlian Music. We’ve not stopped him from dropping music or anything. He has been working with one PR [firm] or something like that ever since.
“So, when I heard about his death, it was shocking to me. I was out of the country as well. So, I have to find out what was wrong with him just as much as everybody is trying to find out. So, I’m just finding out what was wrong with him online. I’m seeing all the lies too. But we’ve to focus on the fact that: who was he with? How did he die?
“If you’re blaming me, how did I kill him? I have nothing to do with his death or whatsoever. I was so hurt when I heard that. I’ve nothing whatsoever to do with his death.”
Naira Marley added:
“I am willing to return to Nigeria to answer questions if the police can guarantee my safety.
“I don’t belong to any cult. I don’t know what a cult is. I have been running away from all these people. I’m actually anti-cult.”
The death of Mohbad is the subject of an inquiry by the police.
The Department of State Services has also been requested to participate in the probe, according to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.