Popular Nigerian singer and Marlian Records boss, Naira Marley, has broken his silence following a court ruling that cleared him, Sam Larry, and Prime Boy of any involvement in the death of former Marlian signee, Mohbad.
The verdict, delivered by a Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos State, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, came 18 months after Mohbad’s tragic and mysterious death. The late singer’s passing sparked widespread outrage and speculation, particularly after videos circulated online showing Mohbad allegedly being harassed and bullied by Naira Marley and his associates.
The controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death gained momentum when fans and the public began calling for a thorough investigation. Accusations of maltreatment and threats allegedly linked to Marley and his crew fueled demands for justice. As the clamour intensified, law enforcement agencies took action, leading to the arrest of Naira Marley and Sam Larry in October 2023. The pair were held for questioning concerning their suspected involvement in the tragic incident.
However, after months of legal proceedings, the Magistrate Court concluded that there was insufficient evidence to link Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and Prime Boy to Mohbad’s death. The court’s judgment effectively cleared the trio of any wrongdoing, bringing an end to the legal battle that had drawn significant public attention.
Following the court’s decision, Naira Marley took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to express his gratitude. In his first public statement since being acquitted, the singer thanked God for what he described as his vindication. Sharing a verse from the Holy Quran, he wrote:
“And whoever puts all his trust in Allah, He will be enough for him. (65:3)”
The singer’s reaction comes as a relief to his fans, many of whom stood by him during the period of accusations. While some supporters celebrated his freedom, others continued to express mixed feelings, given the emotional nature of Mohbad’s death and the controversies that followed.
Mohbad’s untimely death had initially caused a stir in the entertainment industry, especially due to allegations that he had suffered harassment after his departure from Marlian Records. His passing prompted discussions about the welfare of young artists, record label dynamics, and the need for accountability in the Nigerian music scene.
Despite being cleared by the court, Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and Prime Boy remain at the center of public scrutiny, with conversations about the late Mohbad’s legacy still ongoing. Many fans continue to pay tribute to Mohbad, remembering his contributions to the Nigerian music industry.
With the court’s ruling now providing closure to the legal aspect of the case, attention is shifting toward honoring Mohbad’s memory and addressing broader concerns in the music industry. As for Naira Marley, his statement of gratitude suggests he is ready to move forward, focusing on rebuilding his image and resuming his musical career after months of controversy.