Mohbad: Naira Marley Calls for Case Reopening, Demands Re-Arrest of All Suspects
Nigerian rapper Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has called on the Lagos State Police Command to reopen the investigation into the controversial death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, better known as Mohbad.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel on Tuesday, Naira Marley maintained his innocence and asked the police to re-arrest him, his associate Samson Balogun (popularly known as Samlarry), and others accused of being connected to the late singer’s death. He also demanded that a “trustworthy officer” be assigned to handle the case this time.
“I came back to Nigeria to support the police because I could see fingers pointing our way. I wanted them to investigate properly so that justice can be served. If you ask me, I will tell the police to arrest everybody again and put an officer we can trust in charge,” Naira Marley said.
The rapper revealed that he had previously spent two months in detention at Panti during the initial investigation in 2023. According to him, his passport was seized, and there was a “conspiracy” to keep him detained despite not seeing Mohbad for more than a year before his death.
Naira Marley also disclosed that he reached an agreement with Mohbad’s lawyer to hand over all royalties from Mohbad’s music to whichever family member the court appoints to manage his estate.
Background of the Case
Mohbad died on 12 September 2023 under controversial circumstances, sparking nationwide protests and calls for justice. Following his death, Naira Marley and Samlarry were heavily accused of involvement and were detained by the police for two months before being granted bail.
Another of Mohbad’s close friends, Owodunni Ibrahim, also known as Prime Boy, was arrested in connection to the case but later released. In a July 2025 interview with activist VeryDarkMan, Prime Boy denied ever fighting with Mohbad or inflicting injuries on him before his death.
The auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who allegedly administered an injection that led to Mohbad’s sudden collapse, was also arrested.
Coroner’s Findings
The Lagos State Coroner’s Court, relying on reports from two independent pathologists, stated that the advanced state of decomposition of Mohbad’s body made it impossible to determine a clear cause of death.
However, Magistrate C.A. Shotobi ruled that there was no evidence of foul play, linking Mohbad’s passing instead to medical negligence. The court then directed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to prosecute the auxiliary nurse.
Despite the coroner’s findings, many Nigerians still believe the full truth about Mohbad’s death has not been uncovered. With Naira Marley now urging the police to reopen the case and re-arrest suspects, the call for justice is once again in the spotlight.
