A mysterious death exposes the foul underside of Nigeria’s music industry

Underneath the glamorous veneer is a tale of bullying, drug syndicates, gang violence and murder.

Pictured: MohBad

Source:Instagram
 
By Idoko Salihu
The mysterious death of MohBad, one of Nigeria's most promising young artists, has cast a harsh spotlight on the seamy side of Nigeria’s globally acclaimed music industry.
Underneath the glamorous veneer is a tale of bullying, drug syndicates, gang violence and murder.
Officially MohBad died at the age of 27 on 12 September after allegedly being treated for an ear infection.
But video evidence and revelations by MohBad’s peers in the industry point to the possibility of foul play.
At the centre of the controversy are two figures: Naira Marley, MohBad's former boss, and Sam Larry, a popular Lagos thug.
MohBad, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, was a singer, rapper, and songwriter from Lagos.
He signed a deal with Naira Marley's Marlian Records, resulting in the release of hit tracks such Ponmo and Koma Jensun.
At first his career under Naira Marley's record label flourished, especially after the groundbreaking success of  'KPK (Ko Por Ke).
However, the rapper left the label just two years into his contract due to differences with Naira Marley.
MohBad allegedly refused to participate in a drug syndicate after becoming a member of the Marlian gang’s secret society.
After leaving the label, he released videos documenting attacks and beatings by members of the Marlian gang. 
The gang responded to these claims by accusing MohBad of drug addiction.
In June 2023, MohBad officially filed a complaint with the Lagos State Police against Sam Larry and Oba Elegushi of Eti-Osa, Lagos State.
He claimed his property had been damaged and that his life had been threatened.
The police took no action.
A video that went viral after his death depicted an attack on him by Sam Larry and other thugs during a video shoot with the singer Zlatan Ibile.
This was one of several videos that revealed the severe bullying and intimidation MohBad endured from his former associates.
Even when performing abroad, MohBad lived in fear. This was revealed by show promoter Peter Okoye who said MohBad expressed concerns about his safety during a show in London. Okoye had not grasped the full extent of the bullying and threats MohBad was experiencing.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Mohbad's close industry friend, Bella Shmurda, revealed that MohBad had contemplated suicide. 
While it is widely known that the music industry has a dark side, the revelations about MohBad's death suggest deeper, more sinister secrets than previously imagined.
Revelations on social media suggest that Marlians are deeply involved in drug dealing with music serving as a cover.
Naira Marley is already being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has brought 11 charges of conspiracy, possession of fake credit cards, and fraud against him.
Instead of clearing his name, Naira Marley used these allegations as an opportunity for publicity, releasing the hit track Am I A Yahoo Boy.
Veteran Nigerian rapper Ruggedman who spoke out against Naira Marley was attacked and beaten in a restaurant.
MohBad's death has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling on authorities to investigate its true cause.
Legal proceedings have been initiated, and his body has been exhumed. A coroner's inquest is being held to determine the actual cause of death.
Public opinion has turned against Naira Marley and Sam Larry, but many pressing questions remain unanswered. 
Who was the last person seen with Mohbad before his death? Who administered the injection for his supposed ear infection? Why are Naira Marley and Sam Larry in hiding? Why was Mohbad hurriedly buried so quickly? And who issued the death certificate?
These questions beg for answers.

Daily Maverick