The Nigeria Police Force has officially announced its intention to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the factors surrounding the tragic death of the late musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, famously known as Mohbad.
This development comes in response to the discovery of a document in which the late singer had documented allegations of threats to his life, malicious damage, assault, oppression, and more against a music promoter named Samson Balogun, also known as Sam Larry, and several others. These allegations were detailed in a petition submitted to the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Lagos State.
According to the petition dated June 27, 2023, Mohbad asserted that Sam Larry and a group of 15 individuals, all armed, forcibly entered the location of a video shoot where the late singer and fellow artiste Omoniyi Temidayo, also known as Zlatan Ibile, were collaborating and made threats of violence.
Mohbad further stated that, in the course of the incident, they went on to damage equipment valued at over N5 million at the location and subjected him to assault, which resulted in injuries. He managed to escape narrowly.
When contacted earlier by the press regarding the incident, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, replied, ‘Ok. I will find out.’
However, in a follow-up official statement entitled, ‘Mohbad’s Death: We Will Carry Out Diligent Investigation – FPRO,’ he noted that the police were committed to a comprehensive investigation into the matter, adding that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.
However, in an official statement issued subsequently, titled ‘Mohbad’s Death: We Will Carry Out Diligent Investigation – FPRO,’ he emphasised the police force’s resolute commitment to carrying out a thorough investigation into the matter. He also stated that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been entrusted with the responsibility of unravelling the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s passing.
Adejobi said, ‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, who recently passed away. We understand the concerns regarding his untimely demise.’
‘The Nigeria Police Force is committed to a comprehensive investigation into this matter, as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death. Rest assured, updates will be provided as investigations unfold.’
‘We encourage family members or close associates with valuable information to approach the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to assist in this process. In the meantime, we kindly request that individuals refrain from making statements or engaging in activities that could jeopardize the ongoing investigation. Your trust and support are deeply valued.’
The petition read, ‘I, of the above name and address, a law abiding citizen and a Musician bring to your notice the assault and threat to my life by the above mentioned persons.’
‘On 25th June, 2023 while having a video shoot with another artist by name Zlatan (Ibile, the above mentioned persons numbering about fifteen led by Sam Larry Elegushi invaded the premises with dangerous arms such as guns, cutlasses etc where I was shooting video and scattered the whole process of the shooting, damaged the equipment I was using for the shooting valued about Five Million Naira and started threatening my life which in the process they became violent and assaulted me which I sustained injuries but narrowly escaped.’
‘Attached to this petition is the said pictures. Total amount I paid for the shooting they have destroyed is Eight Million Naira (N8,000,000) which is non-refundable.’
‘However, during the assault, they were boasting that they work for Oba Elegushi and that they have been asked to deal with me for reasons best known to them which till date they are still threatening to kill me if seen. Sir, I call on your good office to save my life from the above mentioned persons and bring them to book.’
‘Sir, I call on your good office to save my life from the above mentioned persons and bring them to book, Thank you for your timely intervention.’ the petition partly read.
Earlier reports suggest that the controversial figure Sam Larry has become the subject of intense scrutiny on social media due to the circulation of a video showing him and several others involved in the harassment of the late singer Mohbad.
The video captures the moment when Mohbad and Zlatan were present on a music video set, only for Larry and his group to abruptly arrive and focus their attention on Mohbad, who hastily retreated in fear. Zlatan, on the other hand, took a stand against Larry and his associates to prevent any potential aggression or intimidation towards Mohbad.
The video incited strong resentment among many Nigerians on social media, leading them to besiege Larry’s Instagram profile with condemnation for purportedly intimidating and menacing the late singer. Larry, who is known to be linked with Naira Marley, has chosen to deactivate his Instagram account in response to the overwhelming cyberbullying that ensued following the video’s release.
Mohbad, who was just 27 years old, sadly passed away on Tuesday. His management has issued an official statement, officially confirming his demise.