The personal logistics manager to Afrobeats singer Davido, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, has denied claims that his principal was involved in the controversies surrounding Naira Marley and social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, following the death of singer Mohbad.
Israel maintained that Davido had no involvement in any alleged plan to have VeryDarkMan arrested over his campaign for justice for Mohbad.
He also said members of Davido’s crew who participated in a WhatsApp group linked to the controversy did so without the singer’s knowledge or approval.
He made the clarification in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Thursday, amid the fallout between Davido and VeryDarkMan over allegations involving members of the singer’s circle.
“Dearest Nigerians. Oga had no hands in Naira Marley’s ordeals during his trying times in Mohbad’s case or in any plot to see VDM being arrested. Those who were in that WhatsApp group, got there without his instructions or approval,” Israel wrote.
VeryDarkMan had alleged that his relationship with Davido deteriorated after he obtained WhatsApp conversations involving members of the singer’s circle and other entertainment personalities.
The activist claimed discussions in the group centred on plans to have him arrested because of his persistent questions about Mohbad’s death and his involvement in the #JusticeForMohbad campaign.
He said the alleged conversations surprised him, particularly because he had maintained friendly relationships with Davido and some of the individuals reportedly involved.
VeryDarkMan also claimed he repeatedly tried to contact Davido to establish whether the singer knew about the discussions but received no response.
In his reaction, Israel questioned why Davido would involve himself in the disagreement between VeryDarkMan and music producer Samklef.
He also dismissed claims that Davido had sought to acquire Mohbad’s music catalogue or attempted to sign Zinoleesky, an artiste under Marlian Music.
“Oga called for Mohbad’s catalogue or even made attempt to sign Zino? How na? Those who told VDM that fully lied,” he said.
Addressing the controversy surrounding Naira Marley after Mohbad’s death, Israel said Davido had resisted pressure from people who wanted him to unfollow the singer on Instagram.
According to him, Davido insisted that the police should be allowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death rather than relying on unverified claims.
“Serious pressure even came for Oga then to unfollow Naira on Instagram, and he said it categorically, no, that he wants the police to do their job, that he doesn’t want to believe in any hearsay,” Israel added.
He further said Davido and Naira Marley remained on good terms, noting that the two artistes had collaborated on a song.
“Naira and Oga are cool. They even made a hit song,” he said.
Israel also addressed an alleged incident at Naira Marley’s residence, saying it involved a disagreement between Tolu, a former member of Davido’s 30BG crew, and one of Naira Marley’s associates.
He denied reports that anyone was beaten or attacked during the incident.
“On the issue that happened in Naira’s house, it was our then Tolu 30BG who had issues with one of Naira’s boys. Nobody was beaten or attacked,” he said.
Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, died on 12 September 2023, aged 27, triggering widespread public outrage and the #JusticeForMohbad campaign.
The singer, who was formerly signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Music, had previously raised allegations of intimidation, assault and disputes involving individuals associated with the record label.
His death prompted police investigations, the exhumation of his body for an autopsy and a coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding it.
In July 2025, the coroner’s court ruled out homicide and deliberate foul play, identifying a possible fatal reaction to substances administered by an unlicensed nurse as a plausible explanation for his death.
The court recommended the prosecution of the nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, over alleged unlawful medical practice and negligence.
VeryDarkMan was among the prominent voices in the campaign demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.