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The Lagos State Magistrate Court located in Sabo, Yaba, has exonerated Nigerian artist Abdulazeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, music promoter Samson Eletu, known as Sam Larry, former manager Opere Babatunde, and Owodunni Ibrahim, popularly referred to as Primeboy, from any involvement in the death of the late musician Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.
Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje, who issued the ruling based on advice from the Lagos Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), concluded that the trio had no culpability in the singer's demise.
Conversely, the DPP identified grounds to charge Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad prior to his death, and Ayobami Sadiq, a friend of the late artist, with negligent and reckless actions under Section 251 (e) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015, with their trial scheduled to take place in the Magistrate Court.
Mohbad's death on September 12, 2023, under ambiguous circumstances, ignited significant public outrage and controversy, with many speculating about foul play.
The young artist, who was once signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Records, had previously expressed concerns for his safety.
Following his passing, viral videos and online testimonies accused Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others of harassing and intimidating him.
The aftermath prompted nationwide protests as fans and supporters called for accountability.
In response, the Lagos State Police Command arrested Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and others associated with the case, pending the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
