Lagos State Police have released renowned musician and label owner Azeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, and Samson Balogun (Sam Larry) from custody. This follows their detention in connection with the mysterious death of rapper, musician, and songwriter Ilerioluwa Aloba, professionally known as Mohbad, in October.
According to a statement by Police spokesman SP Benjamin Hundeyin on Friday in Ikeja, the duo was released after meeting the bail conditions set by the Yaba Magistrate’s Court. They had been arraigned on October 6 along with two others over their alleged involvement in Mohbad’s death and were subsequently remanded in police custody.
The court granted Naira Marley and Sam Larry bail on November 6, setting a bond of N20 million with three responsible sureties in like sum. Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun ruled that the defendants must submit their passports and report weekly to the State’s Criminal Investigation Department at Panti, Yaba.
“Naira Marley and Sammy Larry, having met their bail conditions, have been released from custody,” confirmed Hundeyin.
Born on January 3, 1996, Mohbad passed away under mysterious circumstances on September 12, 2023, with his burial taking place the following day. His demise triggered nationwide protests, prompting the Lagos State government to order the exhumation of his body for a coroner’s inquest.
The late singer had reportedly attended a concert in Ikorodu, Lagos State on September 10, where he sustained injuries in a fracas. The police questioned various individuals, including Mohbad’s family members, friends, wife, manager, and childhood friend Ibrahim Owodunni (Primeboy), as part of the investigation.
Naira Marley and Sam Larry, initially detained over allegations of bullying the rapper, were linked to Mohbad through their association with Marlian Records. Mohbad had been signed to Naira Marley’s record label but parted ways in 2022. The circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death remain under investigation as the music community awaits further updates.
