Entertainment

Mohbad: Naira Marley testifies in court, as coroner summons Sam Larry

Published

10 hours ago

March 22, 2025

Nigerian singer, Naira Marley has testified before a Magistrate Court sitting in Ikorodu, in the Coroner’s inquest seeking to discover the root cause of Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad’s death.

Naira Marley joined the proceedings virtually on Friday to tell the court everything he knows about his colleague’s passing and, in the process, wash his hands off all allegations being made against him.

Naira Marley started by telling the Coroner, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi that he signed late Mohbad on his record label, Marlian Records to produce 4 albums but until the artiste left, the 4 albums were not produced owing to constant disagreements between the artiste and his manager, Opere Babatunde.

The singer further denied threatening or molesting the late Mohbad, pointing to a police report which exonerated him of those offences.

Marley said that the allegations that he molested Mohbad existed only in people’s imaginations.

When asked about the viral video, made by the late Mohbad where he stated that Naira Marley and the entire Marlian crew should be held responsible if anything happens to him, the witness testified that Mohbad and his parents subsequently apologised for that video which was made while the artiste was under the influence of drugs.

Marley insisted that there were no disputes or disagreements between him and the late Mohbad.

He also denied having a hand in Mohbad’s death, claiming that the last time he saw the artiste was a year before his passing and that he was not even in the country at the time Mohbad died.

A second witness, the lawyer to the late Mohbad, Oluwasanmi Falade, faulted Naira Marley for saying there was no dispute between him and the late Mohbad.

The lawyer confirmed to the coroner that there was indeed a dispute between Marlian Records and his client over the payment of royalties.

The lawyer said at Mohbad’s insistence, he wrote several times to Marlian Records over the issue but never got any response.

He, however, said the issue has since become a subject of litigation before the Federal High Court.

Falade also testified that the late Mohbad was attacked at Lekki Beach by music promoter, Sam Larry and following his advice, the late singer had reported the incident at the Force Headquarters which had unsuccessfully tried to arrest Sam Larry twice.

After listening to the testimonies, Magistrate Shotobi summoned Sam Larry to testify before the Coroners’ court at the next adjourned date.

The Coroner also directed parties in the inquest to confirm the address of late Mohbad’s driver so witness summons can also be sent to him to appear before the coroner to testify.

The coroner further directed the pathologist who conducted an independent autopsy on the late Mohbad to forward a copy of his findings to the coroners’ court and the same should also be forwarded to the Chief Coroner, before the next adjourned date.

The Coroner adjourned to April 11 to take the testimony of Sam Larry.

Entertainment

I did not snatch Asake’s mother from his father – Veteran Fuji singer, Alani breaks silence

Published

56 minutes ago

March 22, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Musibau Alani, a veteran Fuji musician and stepfather of Afrobeats singer Asake, has denied snatching Asake’s mother, Fali, from his father, Odunsi (also known as Malo).

The controversy arose after Odunsi claimed that Asake had neglected him, leading to widespread social media discussions.

Musibau stated that he met Fali as a single mother who had previously divorced from Malo and married her, caring for Asake and raising three children with her.

He further added that Malo thanked him for taking care of Asake when they subsequently met.

Musibau confirmed his marriage to Asake’s mother during a media interview, saying the pair produced three children, two of whom are now deceased.

Recounting how he met and married Asake’s mother, he said “I met Fali as a single mother; she was already separated from her husband, whom I didn’t know at the time. We got along, and she moved in with me along with her son, Ahmed. I trained the boy.”

He also spoke about what transpired when he met Asake’s father on a later date after he’d married Fali.

He said, “I eventually met her ex-husband, Malo, who was working at a council in Lagos Island. The day he saw me there, he told his colleagues to thank me for taking good care of his son, Asake.

“For the record, I did not snatch Fali from her first husband, neither was I present nor played at Asake’s naming ceremony.”

Entertainment

Nigerian Idol: Iyanya joins judges for season 10

Published

2 days ago

March 20, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Nigerian Idol, a music talent program, will return for its tenth season on April 20.

With the theme “Your Voice, Your Victory,” the forthcoming season promises a showcase of great talent, riveting performances, and fierce competition as candidates compete for the grand prize.

This season’s judging panel includes a diverse mix of experience and fresh insights.

Returning to the panel are Omawumi, a powerhouse vocalist with a wealth of industry expertise, and Ric Hassani, known for his soulful sound and artistry. Joining them for the first time is award-winning singer Iyanya, whose journey from talent show contestant to music star adds perspective to the judging table.

Seasoned host, IK Osakioduwa, returns to guide us through competition, bringing his signature charm and engaging presence to the stage.

Speaking on the significance of this milestone season, Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, stated:

“Nigerian Idol is more than just a competition; it is a platform that transforms lives.

“Over the years, we have seen aspiring artists step onto that stage and emerge as stars. With the line-up of judges this season, fans can expect passion, commitment, and insightful feedback that will enrich the overall experience of the show.

“Continuing its support for young talent, Bigi Drinks, remains the headline sponsor, joined by Nivea. Other sponsors include Camosunate, Arla Dano, and Daravit.

Since its revival in 2021, Nigerian Idol has grown into one of the country’s most anticipated music shows, helping young Nigerians chase their dreams.Season 10 premieres on Sunday, April 20.

Entertainment

Bobrisky reveals number of Nigerian celebrities he has dated

Published

4 days ago

March 18, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Popular Nigerian crossdresser Bobrisky has revealed how many celebrities he has dated in Nigeria.

Bobrisky made the disclosure when speaking about the betrayals that pushed him into exile.

In a recent Snapchat video, the crossdresser claimed to have personal relationships with seven Nigerian celebrities.

While announcing plans to expose and name those celebrities, Bobrisky, in his heated rant, described them as fake individuals in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Reflecting on the condemnation from some Nigerian celebrities and politicians during his EFCC ordeal, he distanced himself from the country’s expectations.

“The time is coming when I will list seven celebrities I have dated in Nigeria. The time is coming when I will expose fake people in that country.

“I never knew I was so special until last year when ministers and senators started discussing me. Imagine a minister leaving work to focus on Bobrisky. Am I that important?

“If I lived in Nigeria for 100 years, they would never put ‘female’ on my passport or driver’s license. But here, I’m respected for who I am.”