The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) pushed back on Saturday against the police’s statement that it had ignored an inquiry concerning the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad.
At a press briefing on Friday, the police in Lagos State stated that the NDLEA had not officially confirmed the social media posts alleging the arrest and detention of Mohbad on February 24, 2022.
It was also reported in the media posts that during his time in NDLEA detention, Mohbad was given a mysterious substance to ingest.
In direct contradiction to the police statement in Abuja, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, declared that the anti-drug agency had already provided a response to the police’s inquiry on September 28.
He stated that ‘to show the seriousness the NDLEA attached to the police enquiry, its formal response dated Thursday, Sept. 28 was sent to Lagos by air; delivered and received by the police same day.’
‘The summary of our response was that we also heard the unsubstantiated allegation on social media that the NDLEA arrested and detained Mohbad on Feb. 24, 2022 and he was given a substance to drink.’
‘In response to the allegation, we state categorically that Mohbad was neither arrested nor ever detained in the custody of the NDLEA on the said date or any other date before or after.’
‘The foregoing being the case, the issue of giving him any substance to drink does not arise.’
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With supporting documentation, Babafemi included an acknowledged copy of the NDLEA’s response to his press statement, affirming that the police had received it in Lagos on September 28.
Mohbad, aged 27, passed away under contentious circumstances on September 12 and was laid to rest on September 13. However, his remains were exhumed on September 21 for a post-mortem examination.
The singer’s death prompted fans and celebrities in several states to stage street protests.
Fueled by doubts about the circumstances, they insisted on justice, believing that Mohbad’s death held more secrets than what was initially visible.
Police, in response, arrested Balogun Eletu, also known as ‘Sam Larry,’ the music promoter of Mohbad, and Azeez Fashola, alias Naira Marley. The arrests stemmed from the multiple conflicts they had with Mohbad before his departure from Marlian Records.
Naira Marley, known for his roles as a musician, songwriter, and music promoter, is the owner of Marlian Records.
Owodunni Ibrahim, popularly recognised as “Primeboy” and closely associated with Mohbad, is among those currently detained by the police in relation to the singer’s passing.