Nigerian musician and owner of Marlian Record label, Naira Marley, has stated that he is making arrangements to return to Nigeria to honour police invitation following the ongoing investigation into the death of singer Mohbad.
Gatekeeper reports that Mohbad, the former Marlian Records signee, died in a controversial manner on September 12, 2023.
Following the controversial death of the singer, Naira Marley, who owned Marlian music and his associate, Sam Larry was accused of having a hand in Mohbad’s sudden death after a series of documents and videos of the duo subjecting Mohbad to a relentless bully for leaving the Record label surfaced on the internet.
The Nigerian Police Force, on September 18th, set up a special investigative team to probe the singer’s death.
Speaking in a statement on his official Instagram page on Tuesday evening, Naira Marley said, “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.
“In addition, I have been out of Nigeria since the August 31, 2023, and I’m yet to return.
“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 have been woven against me in respect of his untimely death.
“Before I progress further, let me say that, as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of Ileri’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 Ilerioluwa, either directly or indirectly.
“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. In due time the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth.
“Mohbad left the label in September 2022, the label accepted his departure. Marlian Music did not stop or interfere with his career or releases since and he has been with one RPM [sic]..
“The rumours regarding the label being a drug cartel are untrue. I am not a drug lord, neither do I belong to any cult or fraternity. I’m dedicated to proving my innocence, and I’m cooperating with the authorities to clear my name with sufficient evidence.”