Will Mohbad Ever Get Justice for His Death?

It has been a year since the sudden and mysterious death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, a 27-year-old rising star in Nigeria’s music scene.

His death, followed by a quick burial in Ikorodu the next day during a rainy afternoon, sparked widespread outrage and speculation across social media.

The swift burial, which is common among the Yoruba when a young person dies, stood in stark contrast to the more elaborate funerals usually held for the elderly.

According to Yoruba tradition, grieving parents do not participate in their child’s burial or know their final resting place, as it is considered taboo.

Fans Demand Answers with #Justice4Mohbad

Mohbad’s unexpected death left fans and the public demanding answers. Almost immediately, his fame skyrocketed after his passing, with his music seeing a massive surge in popularity.

His songs, which had modest success before, suddenly started trending on local and international charts, with streaming numbers increasing by over 700%.

The hashtag #Justice4Mohbad quickly gained momentum, and under public pressure, his body was exhumed eight days after burial for an autopsy and further investigations.

While the authorities worked on the investigation, social media was flooded with rumors, theories, and opinions about what might have caused his death.

Online influencers used the tragedy as content, dissecting Mohbad’s life and career in search of answers.

In June 2023, Mohbad released his second and final EP, Blessed, through his own record label, Imolenization Records.

The album, which included the hit song Ask About Me, hinted at the issues he had with his former label, Marlian Records, and its boss, Naira Marley.

Mixed Feelings in His Lyrics

Mohbad had left Marlian Records in 2022 under bitter circumstances, and the lyrics of his songs showed that there was no peace between them.

Throughout Blessed, Mohbad’s lyrics expressed both confidence and anxiety. In Sabi, for instance, he sings about feelings of fear, suggesting that he was advised to seek help from a wise person to protect his destiny from being tampered with.

His music, particularly in Yoruba, had a poetic touch that connected deeply with fans. Mohbad stood out in the Nigerian Street-Hop music scene, blending elements of Yoruba culture with modern themes.

On June 27, 2023, Mohbad filed a complaint with the police about threats to his life from music promoter Sam Larry and his associates.

These threats came after they disrupted the filming of his music video Account Balance, which featured rapper Zlatan Ibile.

Sam Larry, a close ally of Naira Marley, was one of the people Mohbad publicly accused of harassing him after he left Marlian Records.

While Mohbad avoided serious harm at that time, he sustained injuries and suffered damage to his music equipment.

Days before his death, Mohbad performed at a show in Ikorodu on September 10, 2023. After the show, he had a fight with his associate, Primeboy, which left him with injuries.

An unlicensed nurse, identified as Feyisayo Ogedengbe, treated Mohbad at his home by administering injections. Shortly after, Mohbad started having convulsions and was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

The sudden nature of his death and the quick burial triggered public outrage, leading to the exhumation of his body for a proper investigation.

Key individuals, including Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and the nurse, have since been called for questioning as the investigation continues.

The Investigation and Autopsy

The autopsy suggested that Mohbad could have died from an allergic reaction to the medication he was given, but because his body was exhumed ten days after his death, it was difficult to confirm the exact cause.

As the investigation moves forward, the push for justice has taken on different meanings. For many fans, justice involves holding Mohbad’s former record label accountable for their treatment of him, which has led to a widespread boycott of Marlian Records and its associates.

This is the first time in Nigeria’s music industry that a label has faced such consequences. However, for Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, the fight for justice has been more complicated.

He has rejected the autopsy results and started a GoFundMe campaign for a second autopsy, insisting that more needs to be done.

Justice for Mohbad means different things to different people. Some hope for a clear answer about what caused his death, while others believe justice lies in ensuring that his music and legacy are remembered.