In a controversial court ruling today, a magistrate court in Yaba, Lagos, cleared Sam Larry, Naira Marley, Primeboy, and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde, of any involvement in the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.
The court concluded that the bullying and harassment the late artist allegedly endured did not contribute to his death, stating that those incidents were separate from the cause of his passing.This decision has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, who believe that justice has not been served. The case, which has captured the attention of both the public and the media, has led to protests and condemnation, as many are convinced that Naira Marley and Sam Larry’s actions—despite the absence of direct evidence linking them to Mohbad’s death—played a significant role in the artist's struggles before his untimely demise.
The court ruling also acknowledged that Mohbad had filed a petition against the accused in 2022, expressing concerns about his safety, but later withdrew it, claiming that the matter had been "amicably settled." However, Nigerians argue that Mohbad’s attempts to seek justice were thwarted by forces around him, and this ruling only adds to the perception that powerful figures are escaping responsibility for the torment they allegedly subjected him to.
As part of the ruling, the court ordered that the nurse, Fisayo Ogedengbe, who treated Mohbad after he sustained a wound from a fight with Primeboy, and Ayobami Sodiq, one of Mohbad’s friends who called the nurse to administer medical care, will face prosecution for reckless and negligent acts that led to his death. The nurse reportedly administered a combination of medications, including Tetanus Toxoid, Paracetamol, and Ceftriaxone injections, which allegedly led to Mohbad suffering from severe side effects such as bleeding, vomiting, and ultimately dying from an anaphylactic shock.
Nigerians have been vocal about their discontent with the court’s decision, questioning how Sam Larry and Naira Marley were able to evade responsibility. Many argue that the ruling seems to have been influenced by the quality of legal representation the accused had, as opposed to the merits of the case. "It’s clear that justice wasn’t served today," one outraged social media user posted. "The overwhelming evidence of Sam Larry and Naira Marley’s bullying was ignored."
The case took a turn in October 2023 when Naira Marley and Sam Larry were arrested and remanded in custody for their alleged role in "frustrating" and "bullying" Mohbad. Both were granted bail in November 2023 after paying a N40 million bond. However, despite several autopsy attempts, the cause of Mohbad's death remains inconclusive, and his body is still in the mortuary.
The ongoing uncertainty about the exact circumstances of Mohbad’s passing, coupled with the lack of accountability for those he publicly accused of mistreatment, has fueled the growing sense of injustice among his fans and the general public. Many have pointed to the disparity in legal outcomes for the influential individuals involved, suggesting that the case is an example of how justice is often tilted in favor of those with power and resources.
The case has been adjourned to March 24, 2025, and Nigerians are hoping that further developments will provide clarity and justice for Mohbad, as well as bring closure to a case that continues to weigh heavily on the public’s conscience.
