Singer, Naira Marley has said that he has no hand, directly or indirectly, in the death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad and making arrangements to return to Nigeria to assist with ongoing investigation.
Mohbad, a former Marlian Records signee, died on September 12 under controversial circumstances and was buried the next day.
Naira Marley, who owned Marlian music and his associate, Sam Larry have however been accused of having a hand in Mohbad’s death.
But in a lengthy statement shared on his Instagram handle on Tuesday evening, Marley said he has been “out of the country since August 31, 2023”.
He said he will honour the police invitation and fully cooperate with investigation by “giving my version of the events”.
He however maintained that he has no hand in Mohbad’s death and “certainly have no reason to be a fugitive”.
Read the Full statement below;
“In the last few days, there has been a lot of onslaught on my person and reputation globally over the death of my former signee.
“All manner of stories has been woven against me in respect of his untimely death. I have not only been in shock over the death of the deceased whom I considered to be my brother and member of our music family, but over the various lies spread and threats against me.
“Before I progress further, let me say that as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of Ileri’s death, so it is to me.
“May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of Ilerioluwa, either directly or indirectly.
“It is not unusual in the industry, just like in several other industries to have family friction, even amongst blood relatives. Truly, we had our own share of misunderstandings whilst working together, but the disagreement between us was never to the extent being painted by some hirelings.
“It never degenerated to the extent of wishing each other death. Even at that, we were resolving our business disputes legally before he had passed.
“I have chosen no to say anything since due to being distraught over his dean and in order not to jeopardize the investigation being carried out by the government agencies.
“In addition, I have been out of the country since the 31st of August, 2023 and I’m yet to return.
“In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events.
“I am fully cooperating with the Police team and I certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when I have no hand in his death.
“I am certain that the culprit behind his death and has a vendetta against me and are fueling public opinions to have me lynched for reasons known to them.
“In due time the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth. This kind of scenario of attempting to set someone up is not novel in the industry as other great musicians have experienced the same and came out better and stronger. Mine will not be an exception as I am innocent of the accusations.
“Mohbad left the label in September 2022, the label accepted his departure. Marlian Music did not stop or interfere with his career or releases since and he has been with oneRPM.
“Legal efforts were made to reconcile his concerns regarding the work we had done together.
“The rumors regarding the label being a drug cartel are untrue. I am not a drug lord, neither do I Marley belong to any cult or fraternity. I’m dedicated to proving my innocence and I’m cooperating with the authorities to clear my name with sufficient evidence.
“Marlian Music is an independent label run by a small intimate team. We run a legitimate label that focuses on championing exceptional talent, breaking new acts and nurturing them.
“I will like to clearly state that I have never fought or attacked Mohbad. For the avoidance of doubt I have never instructed anyone, friend, known associates or fans to attack, bully or harass Mohbad.
“With regards to the talent on the label, none of our artists ever fought or mistreated Mohbad. I share my deepest condolences to the family.
“Let’s be mindful as we seek justice to focus on supporting the police and authorities with relevant information and evidence surrounding his death so that those responsible will be apprehended. I am positive that at the end of the day, the truth will prevail and I shall be exonerated.
“My lawyers are already in touch with the police and government agencies and will support in every way necessary.
“Without a doubt I will honor his memory and I promise to do right by him and his family.”
The Marlian Record label boss earlier said although they had “disagreements, but no harm whatsoever was wished on Mohbad”.
“Mohbad touched us all with his heartfelt lyrics, story telling, infectious smile and energy. The news of his passing has left us with a permanent hole in our hearts.
“Mohbad is an incredible street pop star who contributed to the foundation of the Marlian Music. Despite his departure last year we continually championed his talent.
“No family is perfect, families have disagreements but no harm whatsoever was wished on Mohbad. So many things left unsaid but the love was always there. This tragedy is not only a loss for us but to everyone you touched musically around the world.
“As we share our condolences to the late Mohbad, we would like to echo a call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. We’re unhappy and unsettled with everything we have witnessed since Tuesday the 12th Sept.
“We owe it to Mohbad to assist with uncovering any foul play or injustice. Our brother deserved a better send off, it saddens us that we couldn’t assist with providing a befitting burial. We will continue our efforts to reach out to the family.
“We urge our colleagues in the media to treat this matter with the utmost sensitivity, respect and care.
“We publicly appeal to the authorities to do due diligence and we will work closely to support those handling the matter. Finally urge the online community to refrain from circulating damaging accusations that could compromise the investigation.”
The Lagos police inaugurated a 13-man special investigation team to probe Mohbad’s death on September 18.
On September 21, the police exhumed Mohbad’s corpse for autopsy and are awaiting the results.
