A Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, has cleared popular musician Naira Marley of any involvement in the death of his former signee, Mohbad.
In a ruling on Tuesday, Magistrate Ejiro Kubenji stated that Naira Marley had no case to answer, citing the legal advice provided by the Lagos Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The court also cleared music promoter Sam Larry (Samson Balogun), Owodunni ‘Primeboy’ Ibrahim, and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde.
However, the DPP stated that it would prosecute Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad, and Ayobami Sadiq, one of Mohbad’s friends, for reckless and negligent acts, violating Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Mohbad passed away under mysterious circumstances on September 12, 2023. His death sparked widespread controversy on social media, with colleagues and fans demanding justice, and some speculating about the involvement of various individuals within the entertainment industry.
In October 2023, Naira Marley and Sam Larry were arrested following allegations of their involvement in Mohbad’s death. They were granted bail in November 2023 after spending over five weeks in detention, which further fueled public outcry. The police investigation, which garnered significant media attention, focused on various potential causes for the singer’s tragic demise.
The Lagos police had previously identified Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who administered an injection to Mohbad, as “the prime suspect” in the singer’s death. Mohbad passed away after receiving an injection from the auxiliary nurse.
Idowu Owohunwa, the Lagos state police commissioner, said Ogedengbe “administered multiple and highly potent injections which triggered an immediate reaction that eventually occasioned the death of Mohbad.”
The commissioner stated that the injections, which included tetanus toxoid, paracetamol, and ceftriaxone (IV), were administered at Mohbad’s residence. This revelation led to further questions about the nurse’s qualifications, and authorities are now focused on investigating the circumstances surrounding the administration of the injection.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the ongoing tension between Naira Marley’s fanbase and Mohbad’s supporters. It has become one of the most talked-about cases in the Nigerian entertainment scene, with many demanding accountability and justice for the deceased artist.
