The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has disclosed that late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, had officially withdrawn his assault complaint against his former record label boss, Abdulazeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, at the Ilasan Police Station, Lekki, on October 11, 2022.
This revelation played a key role in the decision of the Magistrates’ Court in Yaba, Lagos, to discharge Naira Marley on Tuesday alongside show promoter Samson Balogun Eletu (Sam Larry), Mohbad’s former manager Babatunde Opere, and Ibrahim Owodunni (Primeboy).
Delivering the ruling, Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje relied on the DPP’s legal advice, which stated that the suspects had no case to answer regarding Mohbad’s death.
The legal document, signed by the DPP, Babajide Martins, noted that Mohbad’s decision to withdraw his complaint, citing an amicable resolution, made further prosecution legally impossible.
The DPP acknowledged instances of unlawful assault by the defendants but stated that they did not meet the legal requirements for conspiracy or homicide.
Primeboy was also cleared after evidence showed that Mohbad was the aggressor in a separate altercation at a concert on September 10, 2023. According to the DPP, Mohbad repeatedly punched Primeboy inside a vehicle when the latter tried to prevent him from stepping out into a crowd of touts demanding money. During the altercation, Mohbad reportedly struck a glass panel, injuring his right arm—a wound that later worsened and contributed to his deteriorating health.
However, while the court discharged the four suspects, it ordered the prosecution of auxiliary nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe and Mohbad’s associate, Ayobami Sadiq (Spending), for alleged reckless and negligent acts that led to the singer’s death.
The DPP found that Ogedengbe administered injections and other medications without proper medical assessment, worsening Mohbad’s condition. By September 11 and 12, 2023, his swollen arm had caused him severe pain. The document also stated that Sadiq knowingly engaged an unqualified medical practitioner to treat Mohbad, ultimately leading to his fatal convulsion.
Both individuals are now to face charges of involuntary manslaughter under Section 209 of the Lagos State Criminal Law.
Mohbad, a former Marlian Music signee, passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. Before his death, he had publicly accused Naira Marley and Sam Larry of orchestrating assaults against him, allegations they both denied.