Mohbad Case: Naira Marley Testifies In Court As Coroner Summons Sam Larry

Nigerian music star, Naira Marley, has appeared before a Magistrate Court in Ikorodu via virtual proceedings as part of the ongoing Coroner’s inquest aimed at determining the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

During his testimony on Friday, Naira Marley shared his knowledge about Mohbad’s passing and firmly denied all allegations linking him to the singer’s demise.

Naira Marley’s Testimony Before the Coroner

Addressing the Coroner, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, Marley disclosed that Mohbad was signed under his record label, Marlian Records, with an agreement to release four albums. However, due to repeated disagreements between Mohbad and his manager, Opere Babatunde, the contract was never fully executed.

The singer categorically refuted any claims of threatening or assaulting Mohbad. He referenced a police report that cleared him of any wrongdoing. According to Marley, accusations against him exist only in speculation and not in reality.

Clarification on Mohbad’s Viral Video

Regarding the widely circulated video where Mohbad claimed that Naira Marley and the Marlian crew should be held accountable if anything happened to him, the artist stated that Mohbad and his parents later apologized, attributing the video to Mohbad’s altered state under drug influence.

Marley insisted that no conflict existed between him and Mohbad before the singer’s passing. He also clarified that he had not seen Mohbad for a year before his death and was not even in Nigeria at the time of his passing.

Contradictory Testimony from Mohbad’s Lawyer

However, Oluwasanmi Falade, Mohbad’s legal representative, disputed Marley’s claims. He confirmed to the coroner that a dispute over royalty payments existed between Mohbad and Marlian Records. Despite multiple letters sent to the record label, no response was received, and the case later escalated to litigation before the Federal High Court.

Sam Larry’s Alleged Involvement

Falade further testified that Mohbad was attacked at Lekki Beach by music promoter, Sam Larry. Following legal counsel, the late singer had reported the incident to the Force Headquarters, which made two unsuccessful attempts to arrest Sam Larry.

Court Summons and Autopsy Reports

After evaluating the testimonies, Magistrate Shotobi issued a summons for Sam Larry to appear before the Coroner’s court on the next hearing date. Additionally, the coroner instructed that a witness summons be sent to Mohbad’s driver. The pathologist responsible for conducting Mohbad’s independent autopsy was also directed to submit his findings to the coroner’s court and the Chief Coroner before the next hearing, scheduled for April 11, 2025.