Nigerian singer Naira Marley has testified before a Magistrate Court in Ikorodu during the ongoing Coroner’s inquest aimed at uncovering the cause of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad’s, death.
Appearing virtually on Friday, Naira Marley shared his account of events, distancing himself from all allegations linking him to his former signee’s passing.
During his testimony before Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, the singer explained that Mohbad was signed to his record label, Marlian Records, under a contract to produce four albums. However, due to ongoing conflicts between Mohbad and his manager, Opere Babatunde, none of the albums were completed before the artist’s departure from the label.
Naira Marley also denied ever threatening or harassing the late singer, citing a police report that cleared him of any wrongdoing. He dismissed allegations of mistreatment as mere speculation.
Addressing a viral video in which Mohbad claimed that Naira Marley and the Marlian crew should be held accountable if anything happened to him, Marley stated that both Mohbad and his parents later apologized for the statement, which he claimed was made while Mohbad was under the influence of drugs.
He further insisted that there was no ongoing conflict between him and Mohbad before the singer’s death, adding that the last time he saw Mohbad was a year prior to his passing, and he was not even in the country when it happened.
However, the second witness, Oluwasanmi Falade, who served as Mohbad’s lawyer, contradicted Naira Marley’s testimony. He confirmed that there was indeed a dispute between Mohbad and Marlian Records regarding unpaid royalties.
Falade stated that he had written multiple letters to the record label on behalf of Mohbad, demanding the payment of royalties, but never received a response. He also revealed that the matter is currently before the Federal High Court.
Additionally, the lawyer testified that Mohbad had been attacked at Lekki Beach by music promoter Sam Larry. Following this incident, he advised Mohbad to report the matter to the Force Headquarters, which attempted but failed to arrest Sam Larry on two occasions.
After hearing the testimonies, Magistrate Shotobi ordered Sam Larry to appear before the Coroner’s Court on the next hearing date.
The Coroner also instructed that the address of Mohbad’s driver be verified so that a witness summons could be issued for his testimony. Furthermore, the pathologist who conducted an independent autopsy on Mohbad was directed to submit his findings to both the Coroner’s Court and the Chief Coroner before the next hearing.
The inquest was adjourned until April 11, when Sam Larry is expected to testify.