Naira Marley has testified before a Magistrate Court in Ikorodu in the Coroner’s inquest investigating the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Appearing virtually, the singer denied any involvement in Mohbad’s passing, stating that their relationship did not involve threats or physical harm.
He explained that Mohbad was signed to Marlian Records to produce four albums, but due to constant disagreements between the artist and his manager, Opere Babatunde, none of the albums were completed. Despite this, Marley maintained that there were no major disputes between him and the late singer.
Addressing the viral video in which Mohbad claimed that Naira Marley and his team should be held responsible if anything happened to him, the witness stated that both Mohbad and his parents later apologized. He attributed the video to the influence of drugs, insisting that the accusations against him existed only in people’s imaginations.
Marley also distanced himself from Mohbad’s death, asserting that he had not seen the artist for a year before his passing and was not in the country at the time of the incident. He reiterated that there was no evidence linking him to any wrongdoing concerning Mohbad’s demise.
A second witness, Oluwasanmi Falade, Mohbad’s lawyer, disputed Marley’s claim that there were no conflicts between them. He testified that his client had unresolved disputes with Marlian Records over unpaid royalties. Falade revealed that Mohbad had repeatedly reached out to the label through official letters, but the requests were ignored. The matter, he said, is currently in litigation before the Federal High Court.
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The lawyer further recounted an attack on Mohbad at Lekki Beach by music promoter Sam Larry. Following the incident, he advised Mohbad to report to the police. Despite two attempted arrests, authorities were unable to apprehend Larry, raising concerns about how the case was handled.
After hearing the testimonies, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi summoned Sam Larry to testify at the next court session. The coroner also directed the verification of Mohbad’s driver’s address so he could be summoned as a witness.
His testimony, the magistrate noted, could provide further insight into the events surrounding the singer’s death.
Additionally, the court instructed the pathologist who conducted an independent autopsy on Mohbad to submit a copy of his findings. The report is to be presented to both the Coroner’s Court and the Chief Coroner before the next hearing.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Wahab Shittu, counsel for Mohbad’s family, acknowledged that there was no clear evidence yet directly linking Naira Marley to the artist’s death. However, he remained confident that the inquest would uncover the full circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s final hours.
Shittu also emphasized the importance of questioning those present during Mohbad’s last moments. He disclosed that he had applied for witness summons to be issued to doctors from the two hospitals where the singer was rushed on the day of his death, as their testimonies could provide crucial details. The next court session is set for April 11.
Crediblenewsng.com
