Bisina Somto
It has been a month since the Nigerian entertainment scene mourned the untimely loss of a rising star, Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba.
His sudden departure on September 12, 2023, at the young age of 27 left the nation in shock and grief. In this article, we reflect on who Mohbad was, the circumstances of his passing, and the developments that have unfolded since.
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In 2020, Mohbad emerged as one of the prominent Neo-Fuji artists, known for blending street, cultural, and foreign influences into their music. He swiftly rose to fame under the Marlian Music label, led by the renowned singer Naira Marley.
However, in 2022, Mohbad made the bold decision to go independent, leaving the label to chart his own path. His music resonated with Nigerians, earning him a special place in their hearts as a relatable street sensation.
The Tragic Events
The news of Mohbad’s passing sent shockwaves across the nation. According to reports from the police, his demise was linked to injections administered by an unlicensed nurse named Feyisayo Ogedengbe. These injections, including tetanus toxoid, paracetamol, and an antibiotic called Cetrazone, triggered a violent reaction, causing vomiting, goosebumps, and convulsions.
Tragically, Mohbad passed away after being rushed to Perez Medcare Hospital. Despite efforts to revive him, all attempts proved futile, and he was declared dead on arrival.
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The Burial Controversy
Mohbad’s swift burial in the Ikorodu area of Lagos raised eyebrows, especially since he was not a Muslim. His father, Joseph Aloba, clarified that the hasty burial was due to Mohbad’s young age. He explained that the land where his son was laid to rest was the only property Mohbad was known to own.
Call for Investigations and an Autopsy
In the wake of Mohbad’s sudden demise, Nigerians began clamoring for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Given that he had performed at a concert just days before his passing and appeared to be in good health, the question on everyone’s mind was, “What happened to Mohbad?”
A social media campaign gained momentum, demanding an autopsy to determine the cause of his death. Petitions were submitted to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state’s head coroner.
Responding to public concerns, the Nigeria police force initiated an official investigation and exhumed Mohbad’s body for a post-mortem examination.
The Involvement of Naira Marley and Sam Larry
Before his passing, Mohbad had been embroiled in a legal battle with Naira Marley’s record label, seeking to recover unpaid royalties. Disturbing videos depicting Mohbad’s alleged assault and harassment by music promoter Sam Larry and the record label surfaced online after his death.
Of particular note was a video where Mohbad himself expressed concern for his safety and implicated Naira Marley. The resurfacing of these videos on social media incited public outrage, leading to calls for the immediate arrest of Naira Marley and Sam Larry.
However, both parties were out of the country at the time of Mohbad’s passing and asserted their innocence since they were not in Nigeria during the tragic event. In response to a police invitation, both individuals returned to Nigeria to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
A Befitting Send-Off
Recognizing that the hasty burial in Ikorodu did not do justice to the beloved artist’s memory, Mohbad’s management organized a candlelight procession and tribute concert in his honour.
The event took place on September 21, starting at the Lekki Phase One gate and concluding at the Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island. Hundreds of devoted fans attended to show their support, and prominent celebrities, including Falz and Davido, were also in attendance.
The Ongoing Investigation
The police reported that they had interviewed a total of 26 individuals, including members of Mohbad’s family, in connection with his untimely death. The prime suspect is Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the nurse responsible for administering the injections at Mohbad’s residence. However, she has not yet been arraigned.
Mohbad’s friend, Ayobami Sadiq, known as Spending, who invited Ogedengbe to treat the singer at his Lekki home, is also considered a suspect, as is another friend, Primeboy, who reportedly had a physical altercation with Mohbad the day before his death.
Additionally, due to evidence linking them to cyberbullying, physical abuse, threats to life, and assault against Mohbad, Naira Marley and Sam Larry have been held in police custody for 21 days. Mohbad is survived by his wife, son, father, and mother, and his memory continues to live on. May he rest in peace.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.
As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
Somto is dedicated to providing valuable information and entertainment to her audience while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
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