Naira Marley Speaks Out: Reveals Untold Story Behind Mohbad’s Death

Nigerian singer and Marlian Music boss Naira Marley has finally shared his side of the story surrounding the death of his former signee, Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba), addressing rumors and controversies that have circulated over the years.

Marley said, “On December 30, 2019, I announced Mohbad, Zino, and Cblack as my artistes at The Marlian Fest. In January 2020, we had conversations on how he would drop his songs. He even said he wanted to drop a song so that he could get an award with Headies. Even though he dropped hot songs, Headies never gave him an award when he was alive until after he died. That is so sad. I believed in him because he had the zeal and energy to work. We were extremely close and we loved each other.”

He revealed that in June 2020, he learned Mohbad was using “ice,” which he later discovered was crack cocaine. “Back in the UK, I knew what crack did to people’s lives, so I advised him. He was taking it with his friend. He thanked me for the advice and our relationship was as smooth as ever,” Marley said.

On financial matters, Marley explained, “On Dec 21, 2020, Mohbad sent me an account with the name Adesanya Justina Olajumoke. He said that was his new account where money should be paid into. I was like this is not your account, but anyway I paid his money there. Later, I told him I wasn’t comfortable sending money to the Olajumoke account and that he should go and open his own account. I stopped putting money in the Olajumoke account. Mohbad and I had a very plain and open relationship. I never cheated him. We had a smooth contract and everything was 50-50.”

Marley also addressed the NDLEA incident, saying, “On Feb 24, 2022, the NDLEA incident happened. I was in Sweden that day. They took Zino and Subomi. MOH eventually joined them, had a physical altercation with the officers, and they took him along with them. I had to quickly take a flight back home. After Mohbad was released, he went live under duress. While having a panic attack, he accused me and others of life endangerment. People helped him and he was driven to the hospital. On his way, he also accused Wunmi, Tunde, Zino, and others of wanting to kill him.”

He recounted Mohbad’s suicide attempt, explaining, “On March 27, 2022, Mohbad attempted suicide. I was still in Puerto Rico when I got a call that he wanted to jump out of a window and kill himself. I called him immediately, encouraged him, and told him that if anything happened to him now, it would be me they would hold because he already made a live video.”

Marley emphasized his ongoing support: “After everything that happened, our relationship was still smooth. Mohbad continued to work with Marlian Music. He dropped ‘Ronaldo’ in May 2022 and ‘Peace’ in September 2022. I always ensured he got his money, paid for his medical bills, and tried to help him whenever he needed support.”

He concluded, “I never cheated Mohbad. I never wanted any harm to come to him. Everything I did was in his best interest. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and I remain committed to honoring his memory and supporting his family.”