Updated: Court Clears Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy In Mohbad’s Death Case

A Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, on Tuesday, discharged Abdulazeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, of any involvement in the death of Aloba Oladimeji Ilerioluwa, also known as Mohbad.

Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje, who presided over the case, implemented the legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Lagos, stating that Naira Marley had no case to answer regarding Mohbad’s passing.

Alongside Naira Marley, the court also cleared music promoter Samson Balogun Eletu, popularly known as Sam Larry, as well as Owodunni Ibrahim (Primeboy) and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde.

However, the DPP stated that it would proceed with the prosecution of the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and one of his friends, Ayobami Sadiq.

They are facing charges of reckless and negligent acts under Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law, Ch C.17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Their case will continue at the Magistrate Court.

Prosecution of the Nurse and Friend

While some suspects were cleared, the DPP stated that legal action would be taken against the auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and one of Mohbad’s associates, Ayobami Sadiq.

They are being charged with ‘Reckless and Negligent Acts’ under Section 251(e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The legal advice noted: “After a careful consideration of the facts available in the duplicate case file, this Office is of the considered view that a prima facie case of the offence of Reckless and Negligent Acts contrary to Section 251(e) of the Criminal Law, Ch C.17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015 is established against Feyisayo Ogedengbe (F) and Ayobami Sadiq (M) respectively.”

How Mohbad Sustained the Fatal Injury

The DPP’s report detailed the events leading up to Mohbad’s death, stating that in September 2023, the singer attended a concert in Ikorodu alongside his wife, Primeboy, and other associates.

As they prepared to leave, Primeboy advised Mohbad against stepping out due to the presence of touts demanding money. This led to an altercation in which Mohbad struck Primeboy.

“It was in the process of punching Primeboy that the deceased hit the glass of a vehicle, cut himself in the arm and sustained an injury in the right arm which bled, became swollen and was eventually improperly managed by an auxiliary nurse who lacked medical training and which eventually resulted in Mohbad’s death.”

The Role of the Auxiliary Nurse

According to the legal findings, Ogedengbe administered treatment to Mohbad without any medical tests or knowledge of his medical history. The report stated: “By 11th and 12th of September, 2023, the injury sustained by the deceased on 10th September, 2023, had swollen significantly and caused the deceased distress and pain.

“Ogedengbe arrived at the home of the deceased, applied some injections and other medications on the deceased without knowledge of or requesting the medical history of the deceased.”

Following this treatment, Mohbad experienced adverse reactions.

“Subsequent to administering the injections, the deceased vomited twice, fell down and began convulsing. Emergency efforts aimed at reviving the deceased proved abortive and he was declared brought-in-dead (B.I.D.) at Med Care Hospital, Lekki, Lagos.”

Due to their involvement, Ogedengbe and Sadiq were found culpable for ‘Involuntary Manslaughter’ under Section 209 of the Lagos State Criminal Law.

The DPP’s advice further emphasized: “Sadiq having procured Ogedengbe, an unqualified nurse, to treat the deceased, thereby leading to his death, Sadiq is culpable of same offence as Ogedengbe.”

Allegations of Assault Against Naira Marley and Sam Larry

While the DPP acknowledged previous instances of physical assault against Mohbad by Naira Marley and Sam Larry, it clarified that these acts did not establish criminal liability for his death.

“Whilst this Office acknowledges that the documented accounts of unlawful assault on the deceased were actually carried out by Abdulazeez Fashola (A.K.A. Naira Marley), Samson Balogun Eletu (A.K.A. Sam Larry) (also at the behest and on behalf of Marley and Opere Babatunde respectively, these accusations cannot however rise to the point of criminal responsibility in view of the demise of the deceased.”

Primeboy’s Role in the Incident

The legal report confirmed that Primeboy did not commit any crime in connection to Mohbad’s death. It was established that he had actually attempted to prevent a dangerous situation but was attacked by Mohbad.

“Uncontroverted facts from the duplicate file reveal that the deceased was the person who assaulted Primeboy in the vehicle by inflicting him with fist blows during the De Bitters Concert on 10th September 2023. Facts also reveal that Primeboy never retaliated.”

Court’s Final Decision

Based on the findings, the court ruled that only Ogedengbe and Sadiq should face prosecution, while the other suspects should be released.

“In view of the foregoing, this Office shall prosecute Feyisayo Ogedengbe (F) and Ayobami Sadiq (M) respectively for the offence of Reckless and Negligent Acts contrary to Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law, Ch C.17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015 at the Magistrate Court.

“Samson Balogun Eletu (A.K.A. Sam Larry) (M), Abdulazeez Fashola (A.K.A. Naira Marley) (M) and Opere Babatunde (M) respectively have no case to answer in view of the demise of the deceased and should be released if still in custody.

“Lastly, Owodunni Ibrahim (A.K.A. Primeboy) also has no case to answer as none of his actions amounted to a crime. He should also be released if still in custody.”

With this decision, the court has officially cleared Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and Primeboy, shifting legal focus towards those directly involved in Mohbad’s medical treatment.