Inside the Mohbad Inquest: Naira Marley Testifies as Coroner Summons Sam Larry

The tragic death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, continues to unravel in court as key figures are called to testify in the ongoing Coroner’s inquest. On Friday, Nigerian singer Naira Marley appeared virtually before a Magistrate Court in Ikorodu, seeking to clear his name from allegations linking him to his former signee’s demise.

Naira Marley’s Testimony: Defending His Name

In his testimony, Naira Marley stated that Mohbad was signed to his record label, Marlian Records, under a contract to produce four albums. However, due to continuous disagreements between the late singer and his manager, Opere Babatunde, the agreed projects were never completed before Mohbad left the label.

Denying any involvement in Mohbad’s death, Naira Marley dismissed allegations that he threatened, assaulted, or mistreated the late artist. He cited a police investigation that, according to him, exonerated him from any wrongdoing.

Addressing the viral video where Mohbad accused him and Marlian Records of being responsible if anything happened to him, Naira Marley claimed that both Mohbad and his parents later apologized, attributing the video to Mohbad being under the influence of drugs at the time.

Furthermore, he insisted there were no unresolved disputes between them and that he had not seen Mohbad for a year before his passing. He also maintained that he was not in the country when Mohbad died.

Contradictions Emerge: Mohbad’s Lawyer Speaks Out

However, Oluwasanmi Falade, the lawyer representing the late singer, disputed Naira Marley’s claims. According to Falade, there was an ongoing dispute between Mohbad and Marlian Records over unpaid royalties, which led the late artist to repeatedly seek legal intervention.

Falade stated that he wrote multiple letters to Marlian Records demanding royalty payments on Mohbad’s behalf but never received any response. He further disclosed that the case had escalated to litigation at the Federal High Court.

Additionally, Falade confirmed that Mohbad had been physically attacked at Lekki Beach by music promoter Sam Larry. Following the attack, Mohbad reported the incident to the Force Headquarters, which made two unsuccessful attempts to arrest Sam Larry.

Coroner Issues Summons for Sam Larry

Following the testimonies, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi issued a summons for Sam Larry to appear before the Coroner’s Court at the next hearing on April 11.

The court also directed that Mohbad’s driver be served a witness summons to testify. In addition, the pathologist who conducted Mohbad’s autopsy was instructed to submit his findings to the Coroner’s Court and the Chief Coroner before the next adjournment.

What Comes Next?

With the investigation into Mohbad’s mysterious death still unfolding, key figures are being called to provide more clarity. As the April 11 hearing approaches, the spotlight now turns to Sam Larry’s testimony and the awaited autopsy report, both of which could be crucial in determining the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.