Ikorodu, Nigeria – On Friday, Nigerian singer Naira Marley testified before a magistrate court in Ikorodu, denying allegations that he threatened or molested the late Mohbad, whose death has sparked widespread discussions on social media.
The controversial artist made his statement during the Coroner’s inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s passing. He insisted that rumors suggesting he had disputes with Mohbad were unfounded.
While testifying virtually, Naira Marley explained that he signed Mohbad to his record label, Marlian Records, to produce four albums. However, none were completed due to ongoing disputes between Mohbad and his manager, Opere Babatunde.
“I never threatened or molested Mohbad. Those claims are just in people’s imaginations,” Naira Marley stated firmly as he addressed the court.
In response to a viral video in which Mohbad implicated Marley and his crew, claiming they should be held responsible if anything happened to him, Naira Marley played down the concerns. He clarified that Mohbad and his family later apologized for the video, indicating it was recorded while Mohbad was under the influence of drugs.
Naira Marley also denied playing any role in Mohbad’s death, revealing that he last saw the singer a year before he passed away and was outside the country when it happened.
Oluwasanmi Falade, Mohbad’s lawyer and second witness, countered Naira Marley’s claims, asserting that disputes between the artist and Marley indeed existed, particularly regarding unpaid royalties.
Falade recounted that he had written multiple letters to Marlian Records concerning royalty payments on behalf of Mohbad but received no response, which has since led to litigation in the Federal High Court.
Additionally, he testified that Mohbad had been attacked by music promoter Sam Larry at Lekki Beach, emphasizing that Mohbad reported this incident to the Force Headquarters, which had tried unsuccessfully to detain Sam Larry on two occasions.
Following the testimonies, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi scheduled a summon for Sam Larry to appear before the Coroner’s court on April 11, marking the next adjournment date in this ongoing matter.
