Nigerian police probe death of singer Mohbad

In a statement signed by Nigeria Police Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi and shared on X, formerly Twitter, the law enforcement agency said it was “committed to a comprehensive investigation into this matter as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.

“We encourage family members or close associates with valuable information to approach the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to assist in this process,” the statement further read, adding that individuals should “refrain from making statements or engaging in activities that could jeopardise the ongoing investigation.”

Adejobi also told local broadcaster Daddy Freeze during an Instagram Live session days after news of Mohbad’s death broke that Nigerian police are considering exhuming the singer’s body for autopsy.

“Mohbad was light until the very end,” said the musician’s family, confirming his death last Tuesday. “Imole is finally at peace.”

Mohbad's death has stirred up a mix of grief and controversy on social media, with many raising concerns of foul play. Videos depicting alleged attacks on the musician, including an incident during a music video shoot with Zlatan Ibile, have circulated online. Additionally, a petition filed by Mohbad in June to the Lagos Police against socialite Sam Larry Elegushi and others has resurfaced. The petition detailed threats to his life, significant property damage, assault causing harm, oppression, and conduct that could incite a breach of peace. It described an unsettling incident during a video shoot where a group led by Sam Larry Elegushi disrupted the shoot, damaged equipment and threatened Mohbad's life.

The petition detailed threats to his life, malicious property damage totalling ₦5 million (about $6 000), assault causing harm, oppression, and conduct likely to incite a breach of peace in Eti-Osa, Lagos State. It recounted an incident on 25 June during a video shoot with another artist Zatan Ibile, where approximately 15 individuals led by Sam Larry Elegushi arrived with dangerous weapons, disrupted the shoot, damaged equipment and threatened the singer’s life. The petition stated that the assailants claimed to work for Nigerian monarch Oba Elegushi and continued to threaten the singer’s life. 

“I call on your good office to save my life from the above-mentioned persons and bring them to book,” the petition concludes. 

Taking to social media amidst the allegations, Sam Larry Elegushi has denied any involvement in Mohbad's death. “When he was signed to Marlian Records, he knew I loved him so much,” he said. “The videos going viral happened last year when I was not in the country. So, I can’t kill Mohbad. God sees my heart, and I love him so much. I don’t know anything about his death.”

Rapper Naira Marley, whose Marlian Records was home to Mohbad until 2022, has also issued a statement mourning the loss of the artist and emphasising the need for sensitivity in media coverage and discouraging the online community from spreading damaging accusations that could hinder the investigation.

“Mohbad is an incredible street popstar who contributed to the foundation of the Marlian Music,” Marley said. “Despite his departure last year we continually championed his talent. No family is perfect, families have disagreements but no harm whatsoever was wished on Mohbad. We urge our colleagues in the media to treat this matter with the utmost sensitivity, respect and care. We publicly appeal to the authorities to do due diligence and we will work closely to support those handling the matter. Finally, [we] urge the online community to refrain from circulating damaging accusations that could compromise the investigation.”

Meanwhile, Mohbad’s family has expressed gratitude for the public’s support following his passing, adding that they are focused on preserving his legacy and highlighting his fight for justice regarding his songs and unpaid royalties held by Marlian Music. 

“Before his passing Mohbad was in court to retrieve the majority of his songs and unpaid royalties which were wrongfully held by Marlian Music,” the family said. “We will continue the fight to retrieve his catalogue and unpaid royalties so that through these, those he left behind, especially his son, Liam Imole, will be provided for. We want justice for Mohbad and we will appreciate all the support we can get in this fight to retrieve his catalogue from Marlian Music, as this is the justice that Mohbad was working towards.”

Born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, Mohbad, a multiple Headies Award nominee, was behind the 2020 eight-track EP Light that featured Davido, Naira Marley, and Lil Kesh. In June, he dropped his sophomore EP Blessed, with collaborations from Bella Shmurda and Zlatan.