Court Declares No Evidence Against Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and Primeboy
After months of intense public scrutiny and legal proceedings, the Yaba Magistrate Court has ruled that Azeez “Naira Marley” Fashola, Samson “Sam Larry” Balogun, and Owodunni “Primeboy” Ibrahim have no case to answer in the investigation surrounding the death of singer Ilerioluwa “Mohbad” Aloba.
The court’s decision, based on the legal advice of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), concluded that there was no evidence linking the three men to Mohbad’s death, officially clearing them of any wrongdoing.
However, two individuals—Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who administered an injection to Mohbad before his passing, and Mohbad’s friend, Ayobami Sadiq—will face prosecution for reckless and negligent acts under Lagos State law.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions across the country, as many Nigerians remain skeptical despite the court’s verdict.
MOHBAD’S DEATH
Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, under controversial circumstances that immediately raised suspicions. His sudden death led to a massive public outcry, with many pointing fingers at his former label boss, Naira Marley, and his associate, Sam Larry, due to previous allegations of bullying and assault.
In October 2023, both Naira Marley and Sam Larry were arrested and detained for 44 days as investigations unfolded. Videos had surfaced showing Sam Larry confronting Mohbad in a manner perceived as intimidation, fueling speculation about their involvement.
Despite their consistent denials, the public narrative painted them as key suspects, leading to boycotts of Naira Marley’s music, protests, and heated debates in the entertainment industry.
Now, with the court ruling in their favor, the question remains—will the public accept the verdict, or will the allegations continue to haunt Naira Marley and Sam Larry’s careers?
NAIRA MARLEY SPEAKS OUT
Following the court’s decision, Naira Marley broke his silence with a lengthy and emotional statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing frustration over what he described as false accusations.
He further criticized Mohbad’s close associates, accusing them of deliberately letting the public blame him, even though they allegedly knew the truth.
Naira Marley also addressed the delays in Mohbad’s burial, questioning why his body remains unburied five months after his death, despite the supposed pursuit of justice.
PUBLIC REACTION & THE FUTURE OF THE CASE
The court’s decision has divided public opinion. While some believe justice has been served, others argue that the investigation failed to address key concerns, particularly regarding Mohbad’s history with his former label.
Meanwhile, the cause of Mohbad’s death remains unclear, despite an autopsy conducted in 2023. His family remains locked in disputes over his estate, the custody of his son, and the circumstances surrounding his passing.
As the case progresses, one thing is certain—this ruling may have cleared Naira Marley legally, but in the court of public opinion, the debate is far from over.
