Nigeria: Naira Marley detained over singer Mohbad’s death

The decision follows a request by the Nigerian police for 30 days of detention of both suspects to complete their investigation, which was prompted by reported threats to Mohbad’s life prior to his death.

Despite allegations connecting them to Mohbad’s death, Naira Marley and Sam Larry deny any involvement. 

Shortly after his death, videos allegedly showing attacks on Mohbad resurfaced online along with a petition filed by the late singer in June against Sam Larry Elegushi and others. It highlighted threats to Mohbad’s life, significant property damage, physical harm, harassment and actions that could incite unrest. The petition described an incident where a group led by Elegushi disrupted a video shoot, resulting in damage and threats, and sought intervention for Mohbad’s safety.

In his response, Elegushi denied involvement in Mohbad’s death, expressing his love for the artist and asserting that the viral videos were from the previous year when he was abroad.

Naira Marley, the founder of Marlian Records, to which Mohbad was signed until 2022, issued statements mourning the artist’s death. He stressed the importance of sensitivity in media coverage and urged the online community to refrain from spreading damaging accusations that could obstruct the investigation of Mohbad’s death.

In one such statement, on 26 September, Naira Marley stressed his innocence and expressed his distress over the situation. He said he had been out of the country since 31 August but was taking steps to return and cooperate with the ongoing police investigation.

“In due time, the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth,” the statement reads. 

Mohbad’s family has revealed that before his passing, the singer was in court regarding his music and unpaid royalties held by Marlian Music.

“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,” the family said. “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.”

Last month, Lagos State Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin announced that Mohbad’s autopsy results were still pending. The Lagos State Police Command has also issued a wanted declaration for Owodunni Ibrahim, also known as Primeboy, due to his failure to respond to an invitation related to the investigation into the Mohbad’s death.

On 1 October, the All Africa Music Awards Music Business Summit held an emergency meeting with key industry bodies within Nigeria’s music industry to identify and propose regulatory mechanisms for the sector in the wake of Mohbad’s demise. During the summit, various professionals identified critical issues within the space, such as the lack of information for newcomers, artist exploitation by record labels, and the absence of industry-specific regulations for fair contracts and revenue sharing. Concerns about contractual disputes, a lack of cooperation among industry players, and the mental health of artists were also discussed.

To tackle these challenges, the meeting adopted a number of action plans, notably, continuous education, formation of an umbrella organisation to enhance collaboration, as well as using legislation to provide a stable framework to protect artists’ rights.