According to the Lagos State Police Command, the controversial musician Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, has been detained for questioning on the passing of Ilerioluwa Aloba, alias Mohbad, a former signee.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the command’s spokesman, made this announcement on Tuesday night on his X account (formerly Twitter), shortly after Naira Marley wrote that he had arrived in Nigeria to help the police with their investigation into Mohbad’s death.
Hundeyin wrote: “Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley has been taken into custody for interrogation and other investigation activities…
“#justice4Mohbad #justiceforMohbad.”
Naira Marley had earlier announced his arrival in Lagos.
He claimed in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) that he went back to Nigeria to help the authorities look into the death of his former signee, Mohbad.
The singer had tweeted, “I’d like to share that I’ve just arrived back in Lagos, Nigeria to assist the authorities with the ongoing investigation. It’s important I do my part for Imole. I’ll be meeting with the police with hopes for the truth to be uncovered and for justice to prevail.”
The death of Mohbad has sparked widespread public resentment towards Naira Marley.
He has, however, refuted any involvement in Mohbad’s demise.
On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, Mohbad passed away. There have been claims that Naira Marley and his entourage assaulted him after he passed away.
Naira Marley, however, said in a statement he shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday that despite their misunderstandings, he never physically assaulted or battled with Mohbad.
Naira Marley announced last Tuesday that he would come home to clear his name.
In a statement on his Instagram page, he said: “In the last few days, there has been a lot of onslaught on my person and reputation globally over the death of my former signee. All manner of stories has been woven against me in respect of his untimely death. I have not only been in shock over the death of the deceased whom I considered to be my brother and member of our music family, but over the various lies spread and threats against me.
“Before I progress further, let me say that as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of lleri’s death, so it is to me. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of llerioluwa, either directly or indirectly. It is not unusual in the industry, just like in several other industries to have family friction, even amongst blood relatives.
“Truly, we had our own share of misunderstandings whilst working together, but the disagreement between us was never to the extent being painted by some hirelings. It never degenerated to the extent of wishing each other death. Even at that, we were resolving our business disputes legally before he had passed.
“I have chosen not to say anything since due to being distraught over his death and in order not to jeopardize the investigation being carried out by the government agencies.
“In addition, I have been out of the country since the 31st of August, 2023 and I’m yet to return. In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events. I am fully cooperating with the Police team and I certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when I have no hand in his death.”
