I Have No Hand in Mohbad’s Death, Says Naira Marley

Mohbad Was Brought in Dead, Lagos Hospital Claims

Rebecca Ejifoma

Singer and songwriter, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley,  who was allegedly suspected to be instrumental to the death of  “Mohbad”, has exonorated himself.

Naira Marley, who took to his verified Instagram handle, @nairamarley,  yesterday  said he had also been in shock over the death of Mohbad.

He said: “In the last few days, there has been a lot of onslaught on my person and reputation globally over the death of my former signee.

“All manner of stories have been woven against me in respect of his untimely death. I have not only been in shock over the death of the deceased whom I considered to be my brother and member of our music family, but over the various lies spread and threats against me. “Before I progress further, let me say that as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of Ileri’s death so it is to me.

“May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear his loss.

“Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of Ilerioluwa, either directly or indirectly. It  is not unusual in the industry, just like in several other industries, to have family friction, even amongst blood relatives.

“Truly, we had our own share of misunderstandings whilst working together, but the disagreement between us was never to the extent being painted by some hirelings.

“It never degenerated to the extent of wishing each other death. Even at that, we were resolving our business disputes legally before he had passed.

“I have chosen not to say anything since due to being distraught over his death and in order not to jeopardise the investigation being carried out by the government agencies.

“In addition, I have been out of the country since the 31st of August, 2023 and l’m yet to return.

“In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events.

“I am fully cooperating with the Police team and certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when I have no hand in his death.

“I am certain that the culprit behind his death and has a vendetta against me and are fueling public opinions to have me lynched for reasons known to them.

“In due time the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth.

“This kind  scenario of attempting to set someone up is not novel in industry as other great musicians have experienced the same and came out better and stronger.

“Mine will not be an exception as l am innocent of the accusations.

Mohbad left the label in September 2022, the label accepted his departure, Marlian Music did not stop or interfere with his career or releases since and he has been with one RPM.

“Legal efforts were made to reconcile his concerns regarding the work we had done together.”

Naira Marley, who is the owner of Marlian Musin Label, noted that the rumour of him being a drug lord was not true as he was also not into any occultism  group.

He said he had never been involved in any fight with the deceased and neither had he instructed anyone to bully him.

He said: “The rumours regarding the label being a drug cartel are untrue. I am not a drug lord, neither do I, Marley, belong to any cult or fraternity.

“I’m dedicated to proving my innocence and I’m cooperating with the authorities to clear my name with sufficient evidence.

“Marlian Music is an independent label run by a small intimate team. We run a legitimate label that focuses on championing exceptional talent, breaking new acts and nurturing them.

“I will like to clearly state that I have never fought or attacked Mohbad. For the avoidance of doubt, I have never instructed anyone, friend, known associates or fans to attack, bully or harass Mohbad.

“With regards to the talent on the label, none of our artistes ever fought or mistreated Mohbad.

“I share my deepest condolences with the family. Let’s be mindful as we seek justice to focus on supporting the police and authorities with relevant information and evidence surrounding his death so that those responsible will be apprehended.

“l am positive that at the end of the day, the truth will prevail and I shall be exonerated.

“My lawyers are already in touch with the police and government agencies and will support in every way necessary.

“Without a doubt, I will honour his memory and I promise to do right by him and his family.”

Mohbad died on September 12 and subsequently buried on September 13 in Ikorodu area of Lagos, sparking controversies about his actual cause of death.

However, the Police Command in the state on September 21  successfully exhumed his body for an autopsy to  ascertain the cause of his death.

Meanwhile,  Perez Medcare Hospital, where MohBad, was allegedly taken, has claimed that the singer was brought in dead.

The hospital maintained its stand in a statement that was released on its Instagram page, @Perezmedcare__hospital, on Monday, September 25.

The hospital also dismissed claims that Mohbad was admitted to the hospital.

It said: “The attention of the management of Perez Medcare Hospital has been drawn to the misleading and false information circulated on some social media platforms that Mr. Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba died in our medical facility.

“We consider it pertinent to put it on record that at about 04:30 p.m. on September 12, 2023, his lifeless body was brought to our medical facility. 

“It was discovered that there was no sign of life, no central or peripheral pulse, no heartbeat, no recordable vital signs and his pupils were fixed and dilated.

“On attempting CPR, rigour mortis was observed, and the persons who brought him to our facility were informed that it was a case of BID (Brought In Dead).

“Upon inquiry about the circumstances leading to the emergency, our team was informed that the deceased was being treated at home by a nurse and that she administered injections to him.”

The statement clarified that “our team thereafter advised that the body be taken to the nearest government hospital where he can be deposited in the morgue.

“Let it be known that Mr. Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, (aka Mohbad) was not a patient of Perez Medcare Hospital and was never admitted to our hospital at any material time whatsoever.

“Also, the nurse who was said to be administering treatment to him at home is not a staff of Perez Medcare Hospital.”

It further clarified that the video of the medical facility circulating in the media where Mohbad was seen alive and receiving treatment “is not Perez Medcare Hospital.”