- By Halimah Olamide
The Lagos Command of the Nigerian Police Force, Tuesday said singer, Azeez Fashola, popularly called Naira Marley is now in its net to provide his side in the ongoing investigations into the death of his former signee, Oladimeji Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.
Command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, who disclosed this via his X handle, wrote, “Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley has been taken into custody for interrogation and other investigation activities…”
Mohbad died on September 12 this year in circumstances that have raised suspicion that he was bullied until his death.
The singer himself had taken to his X handle to disclose his arrival in the country saying he would be meeting the police afterwards.
“I’d like to share that I’ve just arrived back in Lagos, Nigeria to assist the authorities with the ongoing investigation. It’s important I do my part for Imole. I’ll be meeting with the police with hopes for the truth to be uncovered and for justice to prevail.”
Naira Marley has been at the centre of talks over the death of the singer who was under his records label Marlian Music.
Trouble was said to have started between the boss and his signee after Mohbad decided to quit the record label.
Naira Marley’s associate Samson Balogun, called Sam Larry, has been accused of being the coordinator of the series of attacks on the singer.
Sam Larry, according to the police, was also taken into custody last week.
Naira Marley had last week released a statement clearing his name from the whole saga.
He had written, “Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of llerioluwa, either directly or indirectly. It is not unusual in the industry, just like in several other industries to have family friction, even amongst blood relatives,” he said in a statement released by his company on his instagram page on Tuesday.”
Marley said the last few days have been traumatic for him over the death of his colleague saying though there were areas of disagreement, it could not have been to the point of wishing deaths on one another.
“In the last few days, there has been a lot of onslaught on my person and reputation globally over the death of my former signee. All manner of stories has been woven against me in respect of his untimely death,” he said.
Going on in his statement, he said “I have not only been in shock over the death of the deceased whom I considered to be my brother and member of our music family, but over the various lies spread and threats against me.
Before I progress further, let me say that as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of lleri’s death, so it is to me. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Making reference to the alleged disagreements they had, Naira Marley said the situation was far from what those he referred to as hirelings are painting.
The statement noted, “Truly, we had our own share of misunderstandings whilst working together, but the disagreement between us was never to the extent being painted by some hirelings. It never degenerated to the extent of wishing each other death. Even at that, we were resolving our business disputes legally before he had passed.”
Giving reasons, for his silence all the while, the statement said he never wanted to say anything that is capable of affecting investigations.
The statement explained, “I have chosen not to say anything since due to being distraught over his death and in order not to jeopardize the investigation being carried out by the government agencies. “In addition, I have been out of the country since the 31st of August, 2023 and I’m yet to return. In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events. I am fully cooperating with the Police team and I certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when I have no hand in his death.”