On February 25, 2025, a significant legal development unfolded in Lagos, Nigeria, concerning the controversial death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad. The Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, ruled that popular musician Abdulazeez Fashola (Naira Marley), music promoter Samson Balogun (Sam Larry), singer Owodunni Ibrahim (Primeboy), and Mohbad’s former manager Opere Babatunde have no criminal responsibility in the rapper’s untimely demise on September 12, 2023. This decision, based on legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), shifts the focus of accountability to Feyisayo Ogedengbe, an auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad, and Ayobami Sadiq, a friend of the late artist. Both individuals now face trial for alleged reckless and negligent acts under Lagos State law. This latest twist in the Mohbad saga, a case that has gripped Nigeria for over a year, reveals new layers of complexity and raises pressing questions about justice, accountability, and systemic challenges.
The Ruling: A Shift in the Narrative
The court’s decision came after months of investigation, public speculation, and emotional outcry following Mohbad’s death at age 27. The DPP’s legal advice, implemented by Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to link Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, or Opere Babatunde to any criminal act related to Mohbad’s passing. This exoneration closes a chapter that had seen these individuals, particularly Naira Marley and Sam Larry criticized in the court of public opinion, fueled by viral videos and Mohbad’s own past claims of harassment by his former label boss and associates.
In contrast, the DPP pointed to Ogedengbe and Sadiq as bearing responsibility. Ogedengbe, who administered treatment to Mohbad shortly before his death, and Sadiq, present during those critical moments, are now charged under Section 251(e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, for actions deemed reckless and negligent. Their trial will proceed at the magistrate level, marking a significant pivot from the broader conspiracy theories that once dominated discourse around the case.
A Death That Shook Nigeria
Mohbad’s death in September 2023 sparked a firestorm of grief and anger. A former signee of Naira Marley’s Marlian Records, he had publicly parted ways with the label in 2022, citing threats and mistreatment. Videos circulating after his death, showing alleged intimidation by Sam Larry and others, intensified suspicions of foul play. Nationwide protests demanded justice, and the Lagos State Police detained multiple suspects, including Naira Marley and Sam Larry, while an autopsy, later deemed inconclusive, failed to quell public unrest.
For over a year, the case has oscillated between coroner inquests, police investigations, and social media storms. The recent ruling, however, reframes the narrative, moving away from high-profile music industry figures and toward a quieter, yet equally troubling, story of medical misadventure and personal accountability.
A Test of Public Faith in Justice
The exoneration of Naira Marley and Sam Larry, figures long cast as antagonists in the public eye, may deepen skepticism about the judicial process. Many fans and activists, who saw Mohbad as a victim of industry power plays, may view this as a failure to hold influential figures accountable. The focus on Ogedengbe and Sadiq, less prominent players, could fuel perceptions of a system protecting the powerful, even if evidence-based reasoning underpins the court’s decision.
Spotlight on Unregulated Healthcare
Feyisayo Ogedengbe’s role as an auxiliary nurse thrusts Nigeria’s healthcare gaps into sharp relief. Her involvement suggests Mohbad sought treatment outside formal medical channels, a common practice in a country where access to certified professionals is limited. This raises urgent questions about the proliferation of unqualified practitioners and the risks they pose, particularly in emergencies. The trial could set a precedent for regulating such actors, but it also highlights a systemic failure that left Mohbad vulnerable.
While the ruling resolves the legal status of Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and Primeboy, it leaves Mohbad’s family and fans with lingering doubts. The inconclusive autopsy and the narrow scope of the charges against Ogedengbe and Sadiq may not satisfy those who believe a larger conspiracy remains uncovered. This tension could sustain public agitation, keeping the case alive in cultural and social spheres even as it narrows in the courtroom.
Impact on the Music Industry
The clearance of Naira Marley and his associates may rehabilitate their public image, but it also underscores the precarious power dynamics within Nigeria’s booming music scene. Mohbad’s allegations of harassment before his death exposed the pressures young artists face under influential labels. This ruling might prompt calls for better protections and transparency in artist-label relationships, though immediate change remains uncertain.
Trial and Beyond
As Ogedengbe and Sadiq prepare for trial, attention turns to the evidence against them. Ogedengbe’s actions—likely involving an injection or treatment gone awry, will be scrutinized, alongside Sadiq’s role in the events leading to Mohbad’s collapse. The prosecution must prove negligence or recklessness caused or contributed to his death, a task complicated by the autopsy’s lack of clarity. Legal experts suggest the trial could hinge on witness testimony and any available medical records, though the passage of time and public pressure may challenge proceedings.
Meanwhile, Mohbad’s legacy endures. His music, resonant with themes of struggle and resilience, continues to inspire fans, while his death has galvanized discussions about justice and equity. The trial’s outcome could influence how Nigeria addresses similar cases, potentially spurring reforms in healthcare oversight and legal accountability.
Today’s ruling in the Mohbad case marks a turning point, absolving prominent figures while spotlighting a nurse and a friend as the new focal points of accountability. Yet, this resolution feels incomplete to many, reflecting broader societal struggles with trust, access, and closure. As the trial of Feyisayo Ogedengbe and Ayobami Sadiq looms, Nigeria watches closely, not just for justice in Mohbad’s name, but for answers to the systemic questions his death laid bare. In a nation where music is both a lifeline and a battleground, this case remains a testament to the cost of progress and the quest for truth.
