Popular musician Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, has denied allegations that he bullied or killed his former signee, Promise Aloba, alias Mohbad.
The singer spoke in a two-hour documentary released on Wednesday, where he narrated Mohbad’s rise under Marlian Music and the events leading to his death on 12 September 2023, at the age of 27.
Naira Marley said Mohbad struggled with substance abuse, stress, and mental health challenges, adding that he once attempted suicide in March 2022. He claimed he supported him with medical checks and treatment.
He also dismissed claims that Mohbad feared hospitals, showing a WhatsApp chat that confirmed a hospital visit in 2020.
Addressing the 2022 NDLEA raid, Marley said Mohbad’s Instagram outburst accusing him of threats was made “under duress” during a panic attack. He added that Mohbad, his family, and girlfriend later apologised.
The artist further alleged that Mohbad withdrew $72,000 from a digital streaming partner without authorisation, after which communication with him broke down.
Marley maintained he was in Amsterdam on the day of Mohbad’s death and insisted he had never ordered anyone to bully him. He criticised his two-month detention in Lagos, saying police wrongly targeted him.
He concluded by stating that all Mohbad’s royalties from Marlian Music remain intact for collection by his family through their lawyer.