MAGISTRATE COURT DISCHARGE NAIRA MARLEY AND SAM LARRY FROM ALLEGATIONS OF KILLING MOHBAD 26-02-25
By Sadiq Aminu A Sabo-Yaba Magistrate Court has discharged Nigerian artist Abdulazeez Fashola (aka Naira Marley) and his associate Samson Eletu (aka Sam Larry) from allegations linked to the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba (aka Mohbad), following legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Presiding Magistrate E. Kubeinje ruled that there was no evidence directly linking Naira Marley, Sam Larry, or others initially implicated to Mohbad’s death.
Instead, the court directed that Nurse Feysayo Ogedengbe and Ayobami Sadiq be prosecuted for recklessness and negligence, which allegedly contributed to the artist’s demise.
The DPP’s advice, signed by Dr. Babajide Martins, recommended that the court strike out the names of Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Owodunni Ibrahim (aka Primeboy), Babatunde Opere (Mohbad’s manager)
The DPP concluded there was insufficient evidence to hold them criminally liable for Mohbad’s death.
While the court acknowledged that an unlawful assault had been carried out against Mohbad by some of the discharged parties, it noted that the act did not meet the legal threshold for criminal responsibility in connection with his passing.
The court also highlighted that Mohbad had previously withdrawn a complaint against Naira Marley on October 11, 2022, concerning an earlier assault, stating that the issue had been amicably resolved.
Recklessness and Negligence: The Focus Shifts
The court found that a prima facie case existed against Feysayo Ogedengbe (Nurse) and Ayobami Sadiq (Mohbad’s associate)
They will face prosecution for acts of recklessness and negligence, contrary to Section 251(e) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Immediate Release and Next Steps
Magistrate Kubeinje ordered that Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and Babatunde Opere be released immediately if still in custody, affirming they have no case to answer following the DPP’s findings.
The court adjourned the matter to March 24 for an update on the prosecution of Ogedengbe and Sadiq.
This ruling marks a significant development in the high-profile case that has gripped public attention since Mohbad’s untimely death, shifting the legal focus from alleged industry feuds to questions of medical negligence and duty of care.