Nigerian singer cleared of involvement in label boss’ death

A 15 March report from the Office of the District Commander in Adabraka detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident revealed that Cash Nation CEO Godson, born Babatunde Michael Abiodun, plunged from a balcony at the Beauford Ridge Apartments in Adabraka. The document, signed by Supt Albert K Tang, also clears Barry Jhay, born Oluwakayode Balogun, who is signed to the Cash Nation label, as a suspect in Abiodun’s death.

The news of Abiodun’s death, which broke five days before his 27th birthday on March 12, was fraught with rumours that he was pushed to his death, while others suggested suicide. 

Later, local media reported that Barry Jhay, who posted a video on Instagram accusing Abiodun of attacking him about 15 minutes before his death, was assisting police with investigations. “See the way this guy beat me,” he said. “I didn't do anything, I was recording. I'm done with Kash Nation.” 

According to the police report, at midnight on 7 March the deceased’s girlfriend rushed from a bedroom she was sharing with him to inform Barry Jhay, who was recording in another room, that Abiodum was behaving erratically. When Barry Jhay went to assess the situation, Abiodun attacked him and threatened to stab him with a knife that he was brandishing. Fearing for his life, the singer fled the scene only to return minutes later to the news that Abiodun had thrown himself off the balcony. 

The police report added that CCTV footage, as well as an eyewitness account, corroborated the story. 

Meanwhile, Barry Jhay’s legal team, led by Tope Salami Jatalah, on 15 March issued a statement stressing the singer’s innocence. 

“Mr Balogun ‘Barry Jhay’ made himself available to the Ghana police to report the violence perpetrated against him by the deceased without prior knowledge of Mr Babatunde’s death. Upon finding out about Mr Babatunde’s death, he assisted Ghana police by providing every possible information to aid investigations and after [a] discreet/thorough investigation, he was subsequently cleared of any involvement whatsoever in the death of Mr Babatunde Michael Abiodun,” part of the statement reads.

“It is without any form of doubt that we are conscious of the fact that Mr Oluwakayode Balogun ‘Barry Jhay’ is not culpable of the unfounded allegations made on various social media platforms against his person. It is also noteworthy that the deceased and Mr Balogun were close friends who had a relationship akin to brothers.

“The position of Mr Balogun and his entire team shall X-ray the findings of the Ghana police and in addition to this, would implore the general public to refrain from the further spread of unfounded allegations, rumours and statements out of respect for the deceased, his family and the person of Mr Balogun.”

Abiodun was buried in Ghana on 11 March.