Lagos: A Sabo-Yaba Magistrate Court on Tuesday discharged Abdulazeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, and his associate Samson Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, from any involvement in the death of Nigerian artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely recognized as Mohbad.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the court’s decision followed the advice of the state’s Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), led by Dr. Babajide Martins, which recommended striking out the names of Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Owodunni Ibrahim (alias Primeboy), and Mohbad’s manager, Babatunde Opere, due to insufficient evidence linking them to the incident.
The Magistrate, Mrs. E. Kubeinje, stated that the DPP identified a prima facie case against nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe and Ayobami Sadiq, who are to be prosecuted for reckless and negligent acts under Section 251(e) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
While acknowledging that an assault by Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Opere, and Primeboy took place against Mohbad, the court determined that it did not constitute criminal responsibility for Mohbad’s death. Kubeinje noted that Mohbad had previously withdrawn an assault complaint against Naira Marley in October 2022, citing an amicable settlement.
Consequently, the court ruled that Ogedengbe and Sadiq should face prosecution for their alleged actions, while Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and Babatunde Opere are cleared of any charges in connection with Mohbad’s demise. The defendants, if in custody, should be released immediately.
The case has been adjourned until March 24 for further updates following the ruling.