Late Singer’s Lawyer Contradicts Claims, Reveals Unpaid Royalties Dispute as Coroner Orders Key Witnesses to Appear
IKORODU – Popular Nigerian artiste Naira Marley appeared virtually before a Magistrate Court in Ikorodu on Friday to testify in the ongoing Coroner’s inquest into the death of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad. The proceedings, presided over by Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, shed light on the complex relationship between Mohbad and his former record label, Marlian Records, as well as the events leading up to the singer’s tragic passing.
During his testimony, Naira Marley revealed that Mohbad had signed a contract with Marlian Records to produce four albums, but the projects were never completed due to ongoing disputes between the late singer and his manager, Opere Babatunde. Marley denied allegations that he had ever threatened or bullied Mohbad, citing a police report that had previously cleared him of such accusations.
Addressing a viral video in which Mohbad stated that Naira Marley and the Marlian crew should be held responsible if anything happened to him, Marley claimed that Mohbad and his parents later apologized, attributing the video to the late singer being under the influence of drugs at the time.
“The only issue Mohbad had was with his manager, Tunde. Their fight started from a group chat, and I still have the evidence,” Marley stated. “I tried to mediate, but it escalated to a physical altercation. I even offered Mohbad the option to change his manager if it would resolve the issue. I never threatened or bullied him.”
Marley also addressed his decision to appear virtually, citing safety concerns. “I requested a virtual hearing because I’ve received threats from people saying they would kill me if I showed up in Ikorodu. I was not in Nigeria when Mohbad died. I returned only to support the case,” he explained.
However, Mohbad’s lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade, contradicted Marley’s testimony, revealing a dispute over unpaid royalties between the late singer and Marlian Records. Falade stated that he had sent multiple letters to the record label on Mohbad’s behalf but received no response. The matter is now the subject of litigation before the Federal High Court.
Falade also testified that Mohbad had been attacked by music promoter Sam Larry at Lekki Beach and had reported the incident to the police. Despite two attempts by the Force Headquarters to arrest Sam Larry, he has yet to be apprehended.
Following the testimonies, Magistrate Shotobi ordered Sam Larry to appear before the Coroner’s court at the next hearing on April 11. The court also issued a witness summons for Mohbad’s driver and instructed the pathologist who conducted an independent autopsy to submit findings to both the Coroner’s court and the Chief Coroner.
As the inquest continues, the case has drawn widespread attention, with fans and authorities alike seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s untimely death. The proceedings aim to provide clarity and justice for the late singer, whose music and legacy continue to resonate with many.
Similar Posts:
- Marlian Records Welcomes New Talent Vusic, Expanding Naira Marley’s Growing Empire
- Naira Marley and Three Others Cleared in Mohbad’s Death Case
- Music Promoter Sam Larry Claims Unfulfilled Agreement with Late Mohbad
- Naira Marley and Sam Larry Take Legal Action Against The Police and Chief Magistrate for Continued Detention in Mohbad Death Case
- Controversial Nigerian Singer Naira Marley Arrested for Questioning in Connection with Mohbad’s Untimely Demise
