Naira Marley Breaks Silence On Mohbad’s Death, Denies Involvement

Popular musician Azeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, has spoken publicly about the circumstances surrounding the death of his former signee, Promise Aloba, alias Mohbad.

In a two-hour documentary released Wednesday, Naira Marley recounted Mohbad’s journey under his Marlian Music label and rejected claims that he bullied or harmed the late artist. Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27.

Earlier this year, a Yaba Magistrate’s Court cleared Naira Marley, music promoter Sam Larry, Primeboy, and Mohbad’s ex-manager of any blame in the case. A separate inquest, however, found nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe guilty of professional negligence for administering an injection without a doctor’s prescription, a decision that the court said contributed to Mohbad’s death.

In the documentary, Naira Marley alleged that Mohbad had struggled with substance use, saying he advised him to quit after learning in 2020 that he was using “Ice” (crystal meth). He also detailed Mohbad’s contract terms, insisting their business dealings were transparent and split evenly.

The singer addressed viral claims that Mohbad feared seeking medical help, citing evidence of hospital visits, and revisited the 2022 NDLEA raid in which Mohbad accused him of endangering his life. According to Naira Marley, the outburst came while Mohbad was under duress and in a vulnerable state.

He further claimed Mohbad attempted suicide in March 2022 and struggled with mental health, noting that he personally offered to fund treatment and medications. Disputes over management, royalties, and a $72,000 withdrawal from streaming partners also strained their relationship, he added.

Naira Marley insisted he was in Amsterdam at the time of Mohbad’s death and maintained that those with the singer in the 24 to 48 hours before his passing should be under closer scrutiny.