Naira Marley Breaks Silence on Mohbad’s Death: “It Was Premeditated”

Naira Marley Breaks Silence on Mohbad’s Death

Nigerian singer Azeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has finally spoken publicly about the tragic passing of his former signee, Mohbad, whose death in September 2023 ignited widespread controversy and the #Justice4Mohbad movement. In a deeply emotional video posted online, Naira Marley described Mohbad’s death as “premeditated,” suggesting that it was no accident but tied to darker motives, not mere misfortune.

Marley’s statement follows his February 2025 acquittal by a Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos, where he, alongside associates Sam Larry and Prime Boy, was cleared of any wrongdoing in connection with Mohbad’s death. He shared feelings of betrayal and personal anguish, recalling his relationship with Mohbad as more brotherly than professional. “I never thought silence could be so loud… I carried this weight, this pain, this shame that was never mine to bear,” he lamented in a separate statement after the verdict, expressing deep hurt over being vilified despite having made peace with Mohbad before his death.

In the latest video, Marley addressed a widely circulated clip featuring Mohbad and Sam Larry. He recounted first seeing it and being uncertain what to make of it, noting that Sam Larry had traveled outside Nigeria and claimed he merely saw Mohbad to collect money. Marley said people began leveraging the video to generate suspicion, and though it appeared manipulated, “ike a setup”, he admitted he questioned its timing and intent.

Regarding Mohbad’s struggles, Marley shared that he had first become aware of the singer’s substance issues in June 2020. He counselled Mohbad to stop, advising that the behavior was dangerous and unnecessary. Mohbad had explained that the stress of the music industry drove him to it, but he promised to change.

Marley also revisited the February 2022 NDLEA raid on Marlian House, where he said he was abroad, and Mohbad became caught in the altercation. According to him, Mohbad performed an Instagram live under duress while having a panic attack and said, “If I die, everybody na Marlian Music. Naira Marley kill me.” Marley clarified that Mohbad chose his own manager, negotiated commission himself, and that Marley had only suggested 10% rather than the 25% Mohbad preferred.

The emotional nature of these statements marks or Naira Marley’s most personal and direct response to the controversy since Mohbad’s death. Fans and industry watchers have responded with a mix of empathy and criticism, reflecting the deep fracture the tragedy has caused in the music community, and in public opinion.

Ultimately, Marley’s message can be read as an attempt at closure: clarifying circumstances, expressing sorrow, and asserting his innocence at a time when the public narrative has long held him under suspicion. As investigations continue and Mohbad’s memory remains a rallying cry for justice, Marley’s voice finally adds a personal chapter to the story, one filled with emotion, unresolved grief, and unresolved questions.