Naira Marley, the Nigerian singer also known as Abdulazeez Fashola, has called on the court to investigate Omowunmi, the wife of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, as well as 14 others who were present at Mohbad’s house in the 48-72 hours leading up to his death.
Naira Marley’s lawyer, Olusola Okuwobi, issued a statement on Sunday explaining that the singer made this request during a virtual testimony on Friday before Ms. T.A. Shotobi of the Coroner Court in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The singer, according to his testimony, was out of the country at the time of Mohbad’s death and stated that he bore no ill will toward the late artist.
The statement read, “Azeez Adeshina Fashola aka Naira Marley testified before the court virtually, giving a clear and concise account of his whereabouts and his relationship with Mohbad. He confirmed that he had no issues with the deceased before his passing. Naira Marley called on the coroner to focus on investigating those who were present at Mohbad’s house in the days before his death, rather than relying on suspects presented by the police and social media.”
Additionally, Naira Marley accused those who were with Mohbad in his final days of attempting to deflect responsibility by circulating an old video. He pointed out that Mohbad had previously apologized for the video and had been forgiven before leaving the record label.
Naira Marley’s testimony came just days after an auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad also provided testimony before the coroner’s court.
Meanwhile, a group of Nigerians living abroad, under the name The Concerned Nigeria Citizens in Diaspora, has called for a re-investigation of Mohbad’s death.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Victoria Janolewsky-Peters, the group urged the Nigerian police to investigate individuals who were at Mohbad’s home, including his brother, Adura Aloba, and his wife, Omowunmi, who has given conflicting statements about the incident.
The group emphasized the importance of thoroughly re-investigating the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death, urging the police to follow the leads suggested by Naira Marley’s testimony.
Mohbad, a former member of the Marlian Music record label, passed away on September 12 at the age of 27. He had previously accused Naira Marley and his associate, Samson Eletu (Sam Larry), of sending gangs to assault him.
A court ruling on February 25 cleared Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others of any involvement in Mohbad’s death.
Omowunmi’s lawyer, Taiwo Olawanle, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
