Naira Marley Addresses Mohbad’s Death in Documentary, Denies Allegations of Bullying and Involvement
Popular Nigerian musician Azeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, has broken his silence on the events leading to the death of his former signee, Promise Aloba, popularly called Mohbad, in a two-hour documentary released on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The documentary, which has sparked widespread attention, details Mohbad’s journey with Marlian Music, his struggles, and the circumstances surrounding his death on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27.
Naira Marley, addressing allegations of bullying and involvement in Mohbad’s death, firmly denied any wrongdoing. “I never bullied Mohbad, nor did I have any hand in his death,” he stated, refuting claims that have circulated since the ‘KPK’ and ‘Ask About Me’ singer’s passing. The artist provided a detailed account of their professional relationship, emphasizing transparency in their dealings and his efforts to support Mohbad.
According to Naira Marley, Mohbad’s challenges began in June 2020 when he discovered the singer was using an illegal substance known as “Ice” (crack). “I wasn’t angry; I advised him about the dangers because I’ve seen its impact on people I know,” he said, adding that Mohbad attributed his substance use to stress but promised to stop. Naira Marley also clarified that Mohbad independently chose his manager in July 2020, with financial agreements split 50-50, and he presented evidence of a hospital visit by Mohbad in November 2020 to counter claims that the singer feared medical facilities.
The documentary addressed a significant incident on February 24, 2022, when operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raided the Marlian house, arresting Zinoleesky and another associate. Naira Marley, who was in Sweden at the time, alleged that Mohbad was detained after a physical altercation with NDLEA officers. Following his release, Mohbad went live on Instagram, accusing Naira Marley and others of threatening his life, a statement the label boss claimed was made under duress during a panic attack. “Mohbad accused many people, including his girlfriend and our wives, while in a vulnerable state,” Naira Marley said, noting that Mohbad and his family later apologized.
Naira Marley also revealed that Mohbad attempted suicide on March 27, 2022, prompting discussions with his parents about his mental health. The singer claimed he paid for Mohbad’s health checks and medications and arranged for him to be taken away for care. However, tensions escalated when Mohbad had a falling out with his manager and, on October 4, 2022, allegedly fought at the Marlian house while intoxicated. Following this, Mohbad took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Naira Marley of threatening his life, a claim the singer suggested was fabricated by someone using Mohbad’s phone.
In October 2022, Mohbad’s lawyer formally requested his exit from Marlian Music. Naira Marley stated he provided financial records to demonstrate transparency but noted that Mohbad withdrew $72,000 from a DSP partner in December 2022, funds that were not his, leading to the withholding of some royalties until repayment. The last time Naira Marley saw Mohbad was during the altercation on October 4, 2022.
Addressing Mohbad’s death, Naira Marley, who was in Amsterdam at the time, expressed frustration that those with Mohbad in the 24 to 48 hours before his passing were not thoroughly investigated. He also defended music promoter Sam Larry, stating, “Sam explained he had no hand in Mohbad’s death, and I believe him.” Naira Marley criticized the police for detaining him for two months in Panti, Yaba, after he returned to Nigeria to clear his name.
The documentary follows a February 2025 ruling by a Yaba Magistrate’s Court, which acquitted Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy (Ibrahim Owodunni), and Mohbad’s former manager, Babatunde Opere, of any involvement in the singer’s death. In July 2025, the Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu recommended the prosecution of Feyisayo Ogedengbe, an auxiliary nurse who administered an injection to Mohbad without a doctor’s prescription, citing “gross negligence” but ruling out foul play or homicide.
Naira Marley concluded by stating that all royalties from Mohbad’s music during his time at Marlian Music remain intact, available for collection by Mohbad’s family through their appointed lawyer. The documentary has reignited public debate, with some fans expressing sympathy for Naira Marley’s account, while others continue to demand justice for Mohbad.
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