Popular Nigerian singer, Naira Marley, has testified before a Magistrate Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, as part of the Coroner’s inquest investigating the mysterious death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad.
The musician appeared virtually on Friday, addressing allegations and providing his account of events surrounding the late artist’s life and death.
Marley disclosed to Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi that Mohbad was signed to his record label, Marlian Records, under a contract to produce four albums — a target that was never met due to continuous disagreements between Mohbad and his manager, Opere Babatunde.
The singer firmly denied ever threatening or assaulting Mohbad, referencing a police report that cleared him of any wrongdoing. He claimed the accusations against him were fueled by public assumptions and social media speculation.
Addressing a viral video in which Mohbad declared that Naira Marley and his Marlian crew should be held accountable if anything happened to him, Marley asserted that both Mohbad and his parents later apologized, explaining the video was made under the influence of drugs.
There was no bad blood between us,” Marley insisted, adding that he last saw Mohbad a year before his death and was out of the country when the tragic event occurred.
However, Oluwasanmi Falade, Mohbad’s lawyer, contradicted Marley’s testimony, confirming to the court that there was an ongoing dispute between the late singer and Marlian Records over unpaid royalties. Falade stated that he sent multiple letters to the record label on Mohbad’s behalf — none of which received a response.
Falade also recounted an attack on Mohbad at Lekki Beach allegedly led by music promoter Sam Larry. He revealed that Mohbad had reported the incident to the police, and efforts were made to arrest Sam Larry twice, but both attempts failed.
Following the testimonies, Magistrate Shotobi summoned Sam Larry to appear in court at the next hearing on April 11. The Coroner also directed that late Mohbad’s driver be located and issued a witness summons to provide further evidence.
Additionally, the pathologist who conducted Mohbad’s autopsy was instructed to submit a full report of the findings to both the Coroner’s court and the Chief Coroner before the next sitting.
The inquest continues as the court seeks to uncover the truth behind the untimely death of the young music star.
