Rapper Naira Marley (real name Azeez Adeshina) was placed in police custody in the special investigation opened in September to elucidate the circumstances of the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad, the bearer announced on Tuesday evening, October 3 -spokesperson for the Lagos State Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
A few minutes earlier, Naira Marley had announced on the same social network (where he is followed by nearly 5 million people) “that he had returned to Lagos to help the authorities carry out the ongoing investigation”. “It’s important for me to play a role in the Imole [Mohbad’s nickname] affair. I will meet the police in the hope that the truth will be revealed and justice will prevail,” he added.
Mohbad, real name Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, author of hit songs such as Feel Good, died in Lagos on September 12 at the age of 27, under circumstances that remain unclear. A special investigation has been opened. His death caused great emotion in Nigeria, where the singer was very popular, but also because numerous testimonies from fans and relatives claimed that he had been harassed and physically threatened for months by figures of the powerful music industry.
Mohbad’s career took off in 2019 after signing his contract with Naira Marley’s record label Marlian Music. But their collaboration ended in 2022 after strong tensions. In recent days, many fans have accused Naira Marley and her teams of being involved in Mohbad’s death, notably through an online petition which has gathered more than 250,000 signatories. These accusations were brushed aside in several press releases by Naira Marley, who said he was devastated by the death of a “brother” and a “friend” while he was abroad.
