27-year-old singer Mohbad’s death has been a topic of discussion in the Nigerian media over the last few days. His fans, colleagues and friends amongst others have called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Unfortunately, the issue has now led to several social media users sharing clickbaity, unconfirmed stories about everything from the singer’s struggle with his old label, Marlian Records, to activities that may have led to his demise.
Here are 14 verifiable events we’ve gleaned from the situation so far.
Naira Marley signed Mohbad in October 2019
Mohbad was a part of Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Records, until his exit in October 2022. He was signed in 2019 alongside Cblvck, Zinoleesky and Fabian Blu. In October 2020, the singer celebrated his one-year anniversary with the record label in a Twitter post.
Mohbad terminated his contract with Marlian Records in October 2022
Mohbad officially parted ways with Marlian Records in October 2022, following a series of call-outs on social media. He accused the label boss, Naira Marley, of orchestrating attacks against him.
A court document confirmed Mohbad’s exit from the record label and the termination of his contract from October 7, 2022.
Mohbad launched his own music outfit in November 2022
After departing Marlian Records and terminating his contract, Mohbad announced Imolenization and released hit songs like Weekend, Ask About Me, Peace and Beast in the months that followed.
Mohbad was an emergency hypertensive patient
In October 2022, Mohbad revealed in a Twitter post that he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed as an emergency hypertensive patient.
The singer’s close friend and colleague, Bella Shmurda, spoke about his hypertensive condition in a 2023 interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo.
Mohbad suffered assault from Sam Larry in June 2023
In June 2023, socialite and friend of Naira Marley was filmed disrupting a music video production while Mohbad and Zlatan Ibile were on set. Zlatan quickly interceded and stopped Larry, who looked about to assault Mohbad.
READ ALSO: Mohbad: The Poet I Needed at My Lowest
Mohbad filed a petition against Sam Larry in June 2023
After the music video shoot incident in June 2023, Mohbad filed an official petition to the police, accusing Sam Larry and his accomplices of damaging equipment worth ₦5 million and ruining the shoot which cost ₦8 million.
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023
There were rumours prior to the singer’s demise, but his management shared an official statement on his Twitter and Instagram pages, confirming his death.
Concerning circumstances surrounding his death
Mohbad’s management shared a statement on Saturday, September 16, noting that “The circumstances surrounding his death are truly painful, and we are open to provide any cooperation necessary to the authorities to carry out any investigations.”
No autopsy conducted before he was buried
The singer died in Ikorodu, Lagos state, on Tuesday, September 12. He was buried on Wednesday, September 13, before any autopsy was carried out on his remains. In a video interview, the late singer’s dad explained that he was buried customary to Yoruba culture, which frowns against keeping a deceased person’s body for long if both parents are alive.
Police confirmed receipt of Mohbad’s June 2023 petition
According to Oluniyi Ogundeyi, spokesperson of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Mohbad’s petition was received, but the singer failed to show up to defend his case and provide proof of his allegations.
Ongoing investigation into Mohbad’s demise
The PRO of the Nigerian Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement shared on September 14, stated that the force is committed to carrying out a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s demise.
On September 16, Police PRO of the Lagos State Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin announced a special investigation team within the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) will coordinate the investigation.
The police haven’t invited Sam Larry and Naira Marley
Some social media users have claimed that the police have invited Sam Larry and Naira Marley for questioning. However, according to a fact-checked report, the claim is untrue. While the police have set up a special investigation team, neither of these individuals have been invited for questioning.
Naira Marley has lost over 500k followers on Instagram
Marlian records boss, Naira Marley, has lost over 500k followers on Instagram, following outrage from Nigerians who hold a grudge against him for allegedly mistreating Mohbad while he was signed to the label. As of Tuesday morning, the day of Mohbad’s passing, he had 7.5 million followers. At the moment, he has 6.9 million followers.
Police open to exhuming Mohbad’s body for autopsy
During an IG Live interview with media personality Daddy Freeze on Thursday, September 14, SP Benjamin Hundeyin noted that the police are open to exhuming Mohbad’s remains for an autopsy if it will help determine the cause of death.
“If need be, the body will be exhumed. It is not too late. The body can be exhumed and an autopsy can be performed.”
However, there have been no further announcements from the police confirming that the singer’s remains have been exhumed for an autopsy.
Autopsy conducted
On September 21, at 1:15 p.m., SP Hundeyin announced on Twitter that the police had exhumed the singer’s body to conduct an autopsy.
About seven hours later, he tweeted announcing that the autopsy had been completed and all that remained was a result.
The quickness of the announcement stirred mixed reactions with some Nigerians raising questions about how long an autopsy examination takes.
According to a Web MD report, “The exam usually takes 1 to 2 hours”.
Zikoko asked a medical officer who explained that the test takes one to two hours. The result takes longer, and the waiting time can range from six to 12 weeks.
This is a developing story.
We’re throwing the biggest meat festival in Lagos. Sign up here to be notified when ticket sales begin.
