Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has released a new video addressing the controversies surrounding the death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, sparking nationwide outrage and speculations about the circumstances of his death.

In February 2024, a Yaba Magistrate’s Court cleared Naira Marley, music promoter Sam Larry (Samson Balogun), and others of any involvement in the tragedy. Instead, the court held auxiliary nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe liable for administering an injection without a doctor’s prescription, describing her actions as unlawful and negligent.

Speaking in a YouTube video released on Wednesday, Naira Marley insisted he never bullied or harmed Mohbad, stressing that their relationship was often misrepresented.

According to him, Mohbad began using a substance called Ice in 2020, but he only advised him against it. He also showed evidence that Mohbad chose his own manager and confirmed that their business agreement was a 50-50 split, with all expenses covered by Marlian Music.

The ‘Soapy’ crooner also dismissed rumours that Mohbad was too scared to visit hospitals, sharing screenshots of past medical visits.

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Naira Marley recalled the NDLEA raid of February 2022, during which Mohbad went live on Instagram under duress and accused him and others of plotting against him. He claimed Mohbad later apologised, alongside his parents and girlfriend, for the incident.

He further revealed that Mohbad once attempted suicide in March 2022, leading him and the singer’s parents to seek medical help.

On financial disputes, Marley alleged that Mohbad withdrew $72,000 from a DSP partner in December 2022 without approval, forcing the label to withhold some of his royalty payments. He added that their communication ended after the incident.

The Marlian Music boss maintained that he was in Amsterdam on the day Mohbad died and expressed disappointment that those who were with the late singer in his final hours were not held accountable.

“I have never sent anyone to bully Mohbad. I did not kill Mohbad,” Naira Marley said firmly.

He also criticised the police for detaining him for two months in Panti, Lagos, when he voluntarily returned to Nigeria to clear his name.

Concluding, Naira Marley said Marlian Music is ready to hand over Mohbad’s royalties to his family or whoever the court designates as the rightful beneficiary.