A Magistrate Court sitting in the Sabo area of Yaba, Lagos State, has cleared singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and three others of any involvement in the controversial death of fellow singer Aloba Oladimeji Ileri-Oluwa,, also known as Mohbad.
Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje, who presided over the case on Tuesday, implemented the legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Lagos, stating that Naira Marley had no case to answer regarding Mohbad’s passing.
Alongside Naira Marley, the court reportedly freed music promoter, Samson Balogun, known as Sam Larry; Owodunni Ibrahim, also called Primeboy; and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde.
The DPP, however, said it shall be prosecuting the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and one of Mohbad’s friends, Ayobami Sadiq for the offence of reckless and negligent acts contrary to Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law, Ch C.17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The duo will be prosecuted at the magistrate court.
Recall that the young singer passed away under controversial circumstances on September 12, 2023, with suspicions of foul play fueling public outrage and widespread calls for justice.
Mohbad, a former signee of Naira Marley’s Marlian Records, had in the past raised concerns about threats to his life. Viral videos and social media testimonies surfaced following his death, implicating several individuals, including Naira Marley and Sam Larry, in alleged harassment and intimidation of the late singer.
Following his death, protests erupted across Nigeria, with fans and sympathizers demanding accountability.
The Lagos State Police Command later arrested Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and others in connection with the case, while autopsy results were awaited to clarify the cause of death.
However, with the new ruling, their names have now been cleared, raising fresh concerns over whether justice is being adequately served.
The decision to prosecute only the auxiliary nurse and Mohbad’s friend has further fueled speculation that key figures may have escaped justice.
