Tag: MohBad

  • I met late singer’s wife over #JusticeforMohBad, says Falana

    I met late singer’s wife over #JusticeforMohBad, says Falana

    Human Rights Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana has confirmed the visit of Omowunmi, the wife of late musician Ilerioluwa Aloba aka MohBad, to his office.

    In the quest to get justice for her late husband, Omowunmi is pulling all necessary strings to ensure the late singer rests in perfect peace.

    MohBad was reported by The Nation to have passed on September 12 and laid to rest the following day.

    The talented singer’s untimely death has triggered widespread requests for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances behind his premature death.

    In response to these requests, his wife, Omowunmi Aloba, contacted Femi Falana, a well-known advocate for human rights and justice.

    Falana, in a conversation with The Punch, said Mrs. Aloba visited his office to plea for legal assistance in seeking justice for her late husband.

    Read Also: Nollywood stars back Screen Perfect as search for next superstar kicks off

    He stated his intention to aid her in her pursuit of truth and accountability.

    Furthermore, Femi Falana took proactive measures to ensure that the situation is properly addressed inside the legal system.

    He revealed that he discussed the subject with Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa.

    During their encounter, Commissioner Owohunwa reportedly told Mr. Falana that a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death had already begun.

    “The young widow of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad, visited our office yesterday (Tuesday) to seek support in pursuing justice for her late husband.

    “While sympathising with her and the entire Aloba family, we assured her of our unalloyed commitment to ensure that the circumstances of the unfortunate death of the Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter were unearthed.

    “Thereafter, we held a meeting with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Idowu Owohunwa, in respect of the investigation being conducted by the police in respect of the matter. The CP furnished me with the progress made so far in the investigation,” he said.

  • MohBad (1999-2023)

    MohBad (1999-2023)

    • Controversy over young star’s untimely death makes justice imperative

    Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known by his stage name MohBad, died prematurely on September 12th at age 26. He was buried barely 24 hours after his death. However, the young musician’s death has stirred up a litany of controversies that have hit the global entertainment industry in ways few deaths have done in recent past. There is yet no autopsy to determine the cause of death.

     The musician was formerly signed to the very controversial Marlian Records label owned by an equally controversial Birtish-Nigerian musician, singer and songwriter, Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley, who has records of alleged social misconduct in both the United Kingdom where the Metropolitan Police once named him as a wanted  criminal suspect, and in Nigeria where he has been several times arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged fraudulent practices. In October 2022, MohBad accused Naira Marley of assaulting him and voiced his fears on social media. Curiously, there are no reports of security agencies making arrests despite his videos showing some physical injuries. Naira Marley who was in the eye of the storm allegedly referred to the reports by the late MohBad as a ‘family affair,’ accusing the late musician as likely ‘high’ when he complained about the assaults.

     The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was accused by some people as having poisoned the late musician when he was in its custody in 2022. The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, issued a rebuttal saying MohBad was not detained by the agency as was being speculated. Even the late musician’s family members – his father, Joseph Aloba, wife and other close colleagues in the Marlian Records’ team – are being accused of complicity one way or another in the young musician’s death. The controversies have been legion and there have been public protests across the country for authorities to ensure justice for the late talented musician by unearthing the cause of his death and possibly prosecuting  suspects.

     MohBad’s family, especially the father, has been under fire from his fans for hasty burial of the young man. The family has reportedly equally come out to say even though they are not Moslems, the culture of the Yoruba tribe mandates  immediate burial of a young deceased person whose parents are yet alive. Some observers expressed suspicion over the hasty burial, but the family cited the code of culture.

     We mourn the untimely death of this young talent. We are also disappointed that agencies of government and family members who might have intervened early to prevent his death apparently sat on their palms. The young man was not some anonymous street urchin, though this is not to say the street urchin does not deserve protection. He was an incredibly talented and vocally expressive young man whose lyrics painted a personal picture of his life and experiences.

    Read Also: Why Real Warri Pikin should have joined Marlian Records instead of surgery, says Datwarrigirl

     Why did the Nigerian police not do enough to investigate and protect the vulnerable young man despite his cries for help? Why were those he alleged were bullying him not apprehended and questioned? MohBad’s death showed how totally helpless young people in Nigeria could feel living under dire socio-economic circumstances. This is not to say young people should live recklessly adventurous lives, but the police should stop fawning over politicians and business moguls with protective services while according little attention to other needy citizens.

     The series of protests by young people across the country as well as diverse accusations and hounding of people not yet proven guilty of any crime regarding the musician’s death is proof of the trust deficit in government agencies. Houses of individuals, including those of Naira Marley and his businesses, are being attacked across the world either resulting in physical destruction or the ban placed on his music through the Not To Be Played (NTBP) instruction from media and tech companies. Those close or remotely related in any way to those being accused are suffering some injustice because no court has declared them guilty of any crime. We cannot get injustice redressed by perpetuating injustice.

     MohBad’s death was avoidable and points to both parental negligence and state failure to make its relevant agencies accountable. Parents of the young man were not proactive enough in shielding him from seeming abuses, and the state failed to come to his rescue despite cries for help. The worrying thing is that those who are collateral victims of his death but are yet to be proven complicit are also not getting state protection. It is good the body has been exhumed so that the death can be forensically investigated. Until the facts are unearthed, the goal must be to ensure justice for both the living and the dead.

  • #JusticeForMohbad: Police complete autopsy, await result

    #JusticeForMohbad: Police complete autopsy, await result

    The Police have announced the completion of autopsy on the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba aka Mohbad.

    On Thursday , the Lagos Police Command with some health officials commenced the exhumation of the corpse of the singer so autopsy could be carried out.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that the singer’s body had been exhumed to further help the police investigation.

    However, several hours later, the force put out an update on the matter via it official X handle.

    Read Also: UNGA78: Tinubu, Adeboye lead African First Ladies in peace moves

    It wrote: “Mohbad: Autopsy Update

    “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the public that the autopsy procedure for Mr. Mohbad has been successfully completed. Further information will be provided as soon as the results are available. #Justice4mobhad.”

    Seven hours after his confirmation post on the exhumation of Mohbad’s body, Hundeyin announced the completion of autopsy.

    “Autopsy has been concluded. Awaiting result…

    #JusticeForMohbad #Justice4mobhad,”he tweeted.

  • Mohbad’s death continues to spark controversies as investigation, tribute kick off

    Mohbad’s death continues to spark controversies as investigation, tribute kick off

    • Body of singer exhumed for autopsy
    • Senate: Justice will be served
    • Nurse has been arrested

    The remains of late Mohbad has been exhumed for a comprehensive autopsy to further unravel the mystery surrounding his death.

    The spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that Mohbad’s remains have been exhumed.

     “Exhumation completed. Autopsy to commence,” SP Benjamin Hundeyin  confirmed in a tweet on September 21.

     The exhumation – done at the singer’s graveside in the Gberigbe area of Ikorodu – was carried out in conjunction with some health officials.

     In the same vein, spokesman of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) Muyiwa Adejobi quoted the IGP as issuing a “direct and urgent directive to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, instructing him to initiate a swift and comprehensive investigation into the tragic passing” of the singer.

     Controversies have continued to trail the cause of the 27-year-old singing sensation, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka MohBad, ten days after his untimely death.

     Few days after an investigation into his death was launched, a series of revelations were made public.

    The nurse

    Star actress Iyabo Ojo has launched herself in the forefront of #JusticeforMohbad. She has also said that the police have arrested the nurse who treated the artist before his demise.

     “The police have made some arrests [in connection with Mohbad’s death]. The nurse has been arrested. That I know. That’s the only information I can give you right now. They have arrested some people. They are asking some people to turn themselves in,” she said.

     The arrest of the nurse, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, has raised suspicions about the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s passing. The police have been tight-lipped about the specific details as at the time of filing reports.

     In a separate development, a delegation from the  Senate paid a condolence visit to Mohbad’s grieving mother on Thursday, September 21 in Lekki, Lagos. The senators expressed their heartfelt condolences and promised their support to the family during this difficult time. Mohbad’s mother, overwhelmed by grief, thanked the senators and called for a thorough investigation into her son’s death.

    Senate delegation

    Senator Elisha Abbo visited Mohbad’s family alongside Nollywood stars Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh. During the event at the singer’s family home in the Lekki area of Lagos State, the lawmaker assured them of justice.

    The senator said: ” Nobody will hurt you, I am here to console the family. I am the chairman senate committee on creative economy and also vice chairman senate committee on youths. When we heard of your son’s death and the controversy or circumstances that appeared on social media, we feel it is important to come here and condole with your family and see you.

     “The government will never abandon its citizens. This current administration has created a ministry, that is the ministry of arts, culture and creative economy and Mohbad was a major player in the creative economy of this country.

     ” So when his death comes the senate feels that the interest Nigerians have in this matter will begin to listen. We can’t pay dead ears to what Nigerians are crying for. So we will first of all condole with the family, nobody can bring Mohbad back, we love but what I can assure you is that the government of Nigeria will do everything within its own power to investigate this matter thoroughly and if everybody’s hand is involved the person would be brought to justice.

     ” It has taken a different dimension now; it’s like the movement of black life matters. Because celebrities all over the world have started posting justice for Mohbad. And I want them to know that the government is interested in the case, nobody is hiding anything, nobody is above the law. We have absolute confidence in the Police.

     “The IG has ordered a thorough investigation in the matter and it will be investigated.  We are here to let the family know that we are with them.

     “The Senate will resume on the 26th of September. That is a few days from now and we are going back to the chamber. And we are assuring you that the senate which belongs to the Nigerian people will look into this without any sentiment. We will look into the matter and we will invite the policies to come and brief us on what they have done so far on this matter.

     “I am calling on the Nigerian youths especially those who Mohbad was our friend or brother, don’t take to the street, believe me I will never be quiet when I see a youth being destroyed.

     If you take the street some people who do not love us will hijack it. Because I believe Mohbad won’t be happy to see that someone died in his name.

     “I didn’t come alone, I came with some major players.

     Mum we are with you, the FG is with you. When you say that somebody is threatening you don’t be afraid nobody should leave in fear. The same freedom the president enjoys is what you enjoy. So don’t be afraid. I will rate this to the senate and I will call the IG and tell him these things that there is a threat somewhere. Nobody will touch  you.”

    Read Also: Southwest pensioners demand apology from Obasanjo over verbal attack on Obas

     Abbo also promised to lead the campaign for the setup of a Creative Economy Commission.

     The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Entertainment Economy said the move would address conflicts within the creative industry, including disputes related to record labels and artist contracts.

     The late Mohbad’s mother has urged the Federal Government and Nigerians in general to help uncover the truth behind her son’s untimely demise.

     The distraught mother, who spoke in Yoruba Language, alleged that Naira Marley, the owner of Marlian Record label, is connected to her son’s death.

     She also called for assistance in investigating the matter further.

     She said that her late son had always complained about the serious threat to his life by Naira Marley and some other individuals.

     In tears, she said “I know my son, he told me that Naira Marley usually threatened him. Please Nigerians help me to look for him, please have mercy on me, that is all you can do for me.

     “I cannot singlehandedly fish him out. Also, he told me the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)  gave him some water in a bottle to drink some time ago. Help me please.

     “My son has always been beaten. Even though he was mentioning Sam Larry, l don’t know them. They enslaved my son. He was always telling me to guide him so he would not be killed, these were all he was saying until they finally killed him. Please help me.”

    Fans hold concert

    To honour the memory of the late artist, a candlelight procession and tribute concert was held at the Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. The event, as expected, drew a large crowd of fans, friends, and fellow artists, who paid their respects and celebrated Mohbad’s contributions to the music industry.

     The tribute events aimed to not only remember Mohbad’s legacy but also raise awareness about the ongoing investigation into his death.

     The Nigerian police have assured the public that they are committed to uncovering the truth surrounding Mohbad’s untimely demise. As the investigation progresses, the music industry and the nation as a whole mourn the loss of a talented artist and await closure on the death.

     Meanwhile, entertainers, fans joined the calls for justice for MohBad in Warri and Effurun, Delta State.

     They embarked on a peaceful protest Thursday morning, from the popular Bendel Estate Junction in Effurun, down to Ajamimogha in Warri, bearing posters demanding justice.

     The protesters spotted black outfits and sang some of Mohbad’s songs as they marched along the busy routes of the towns.

     Fans and entertainers both in the music and movie industry, continue to mourn the death, alleging that bullying by some industry colleagues may have led to his death.

     Mohbad passed away under mysterious circumstances on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. He was a rising star in the Nigerian music industry, known for his unique style and lyrical prowess. His sudden death sent shockwaves throughout the country, leaving fans and fellow artists in mourning.

  • Popular Nigerians who have donated money to MohBad’s family

    Popular Nigerians who have donated money to MohBad’s family

    Following the death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as MohBad, his devoted fans, and colleagues have extended their care and support to his family in various ways.

    Some have protested in an effort to seek justice for him, while others have offered financial assistance to his family.

    Here are four celebrities who have supported the family financially:

    1. Davido: Popular singer Davido reportedly gave Mohbad’s family N2m.

    Mohbad’s father shared the heartwarming news that Davido had not only made contact with the grieving family but also offered substantial financial support.

    During his Manchester performance, Davido halted his performance to address the audience in a touching gesture of empathy.

    2. Khaid: Raving singer and rapper, Sulaimon Solomon aka Khaid, also supported the family with N2m.

    The ‘Anabella’ crooner revealed on social media that he would give MohBad’s wife N2 million.

    Read Also: Nurse who treated Mohbad arrested – Iyabo Ojo

    3. Mubarak Abuche: Mubarak Abuche, Chairman of Almubee Group in Nigeria, offered N2 million to Mohbad’s wife and a university scholarship to their son.

    4. Tonto Dikeh: Actress-turned-politician Tonto Dikeh promised to take care of late Mohbad’s five-month-old son, Liam up to secondary school level.

    She also announced the 5-month-old son will receive a monthly stipend of N100,000 for one year.

  • MohBad: Sam Larry’s lookalike issues disclaimer amid safety concerns

    MohBad: Sam Larry’s lookalike issues disclaimer amid safety concerns

    A man who bears a striking resemblance to Sam Larry, an associate of Naira Marley, was forced to issue a disclaimer after being mistaken for him.

    The man, fair in complexion, identified as Ay shares Sam Larry’s beard and moustache and speaks much better English

    Sam Larry, who is allegedly Naira Marley’s best friend, became a person of interest to many Nigerians following the release of videos showing him bullying and harassing the late singer Mohbad.

    In a now-viral clip, Sam Larry’s doppelganger could be seen appealing to the public even as he clarified that he is a totally different person and had no connection with the ‘accused’.

    He explained that because Naira Marley’s associate has fallen out of favour with almost everyone, he has taken precautions to stay safe by limiting his movements and carrying his identification card with him.

    He said: “I’m this type of nonchalant person that doesn’t move around with my ID card but now, I have to because anywhere I go now before I know it, they’ll start shouting, ‘Larry!”

    Read Also: Sam Larry stirs the hornet’s nest

    “I had some artistes who came in this morning and three of them just stood in one corner staring at and talking.

    “I knew what they were talking about but I couldn’t just go close. So, please…anywhere I go, even my hood, I find it difficult to walk around now. So, please, I’m not Larry. Thank you very much.”

    The clip was posted by DJ Spyce, who explained in the caption that the man in question is his friend and colleague who merely bore a resemblance with Sam Larry and nothing more.

    He wrote: “Public Notice……….. My friend/ Colleague is being mistaken for Sam Larry, he is not even related to him at all. My Nigga is scared and it’s not even funny at all. E jor make una leave Ay alone o.”

  • BREAKING: MohBad’s body exhumed, FPRO confirms

    BREAKING: MohBad’s body exhumed, FPRO confirms

    Following the directive from Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state police command has kick-started an investigation into the death of musician, MohBad.

    The Lagos police command on Monday, September 18, inaugurated a 13-man probe panel following the directive of Governor Sanwo-Olu.

    And on Thursday, September 21, the police command along with some health officials commenced the exhumation of the corpse of the singer, so that an autopsy could be carried out.

    Read Also: Nurse who treated Mohbad arrested – Iyabo Ojo

    In a statement posted via his X (formerly known as Twitter) page, Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that the singer’s body has been exhumed to further help the police investigation.

    He posted: “Exhumation completed. Autopsy to commence. #JusticeForMohad #Justice4Mohbad.”

    Details Shortly…

  • Entertainers, fans protest MohBad’s death in Warri, Effurun

    Entertainers, fans protest MohBad’s death in Warri, Effurun

    Scores of music entertainers and fans of late Nigerian music artist, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as MohBad, in Warri and Effurun, Delta state, have joined the calls for justice for the singer.

    They embarked on a peaceful protest Thursday, September 21, from the popular Bendel Estate Junction in Effurun, down to Ajamimogha in Warri, bearing posters demanding justice for the late singer who died last Tuesday at the age of 27.

    The protesters spotted black outfits and sang some of Mohbad’s songs as they marched along the busy routes of the towns.

    Read Also: Nurse who treated Mohbad arrested – Iyabo Ojo

    Recall that the late Afrobeat musician died at a Lagos hospital, reportedly from complications in yet to be unraveled circumstances.

    He left behind a young wife and five month-old son, Liam.

    Fans and entertainers both in the music and movie industry, continue to mourn the death, alleging that bullying by some industry colleagues may have led to his death.

  • Nurse who treated Mohbad arrested – Iyabo Ojo

    Nurse who treated Mohbad arrested – Iyabo Ojo

    Actress Iyabo Ojo has claimed the nurse who treated singer Mohbad at the hospital before his death has been arrested by the police.

    She disclosed this while giving an update on the ongoing investigation into the death of the singer following her visit with some team members to Lagos State government offices.

    Ojo mentioned some other people have been asked to turn themselves in to the authorities on the matter.

    She further implored the #JustForMohbad group to give the authorities the stipulated time frame to carry out their duties in unraveling the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s case.

    She said: “As long as they’re going to do the autopsy and everything…

    “They’ve made some arrests. You know, like the nurse has been arrested; that I know. 

    “You know, that’s the only information I can give you right now.

    Read Also: MohBad: Actress Igidimbah slams VeryDarkMan’s demand for DNA test

    “But they’ve arrested some people. They are asking some people to turn themselves in. So, let’s just give that two weeks. I beg you.

    On Wednesday a group of demonstrators under the aegis of ‘Justice for MohBad’ led by actress, Iyabo Ojo, besieged the House of Assembly to seek justice on the death of the 27-year-old singer.

    Ojo earlier announced that a mega rally from Oba Akran to the Lagos State Executive and legislative houses would be held on Wednesday.

    But in a statement on Tuesday night, she noted the ‘peaceful’ protest would no longer hold based on the “reservations expressed by the law enforcement agents that, it could be hijacked by unscrupulous persons and miscreants, thereby endangering lives and property.”

    The statement added that some members of Ojo’s team would however, visit specific offices of the Lagos state government to “register their concerns and share views together for the ultimate goal of timeous delivery of justice.” 

  • MohBad: Actress Igidimbah slams VeryDarkMan’s demand for DNA test

    MohBad: Actress Igidimbah slams VeryDarkMan’s demand for DNA test

    Actress Amarachi Igidimbah has attacked controversial TikToker, VeryDarkBlackMan, who is clamoring for a DNA test to establish the paternity of the late singer Mohbad’s child, Liam.

    In an earlier video, VeryDarkBlackMan asserted that everyone, including Mohbad’s 24-year-old wife, Omowunmi, was a suspect in the singer’s death.

    This statement came as a response to reports of people raising funds for their five-month-old son.

    Following the online backlash against VeryDarkBlackMan for his initial video, he released another clip in which he highlighted Peter Obi’s call to leave no stone unturned in the quest to find Mohbad’s perpetrators.

    Read Also: Mohbad: Fans storm streets of Lagos, Delta as protests enter second day

    Undeterred, the TikToker continued to assert that the five-month-old child did not resemble the late Mohbad and insisted on conducting a DNA test.

    He claimed it was possible Mohbad discovered the child was not his, giving his wife a motive to kill him.

    He continued to assert that Mohbad’s widow, Omowunmi, had little to risk in having a DNA test performed on their son.

    He further intensified that she could potentially benefit significantly if the tests confirmed the late singer as the child’s father.

    However, VeryDarkBlackMan’s campaign for a DNA test stirred dissatisfaction among some online users, including actress Amarachi Igidimbah.

    The movie star stated that there was no difference between Naira Marley, Sam Larry and VeryDarkBlackMan.

    She condemned his actions, labeling him a bully for targeting a young woman who had recently lost her husband.