It was recently revealed in an X post that in June 2023, Nigerian show promoter, Sam Larry, stormed a music video set with some unidentified accomplices and allegedly attempted to attack Mohbad, until Zlatan Ibile intervened.
Here’s all we know about the individual who has sparked public outrage and become a person of interest in relation to Mohbad’s recent passing.
Who is Sam Larry?
Source: Instagram/@samlarryy
Socialite, music/show promoter and influencer are some of the tags that have been used to describe Samson Erinfolami Balogun AKA Sammy Larry.
Larry first caught the attention of the public in July 2022 after singer, Habeeb Olawunmi AKA Portable, claimed he formed the One-Million Boys cult group terrorising some parts of Lagos State, and he (Larry) could bear witness.
The promoter would later sever ties with Portable and issue a disclaimer dissociating himself from the notorious cult group.
He’s a close ally of indigenous street-hop rapper, Azeez Fashola AKA Naira Marley. They’ve been seen together on several occasions.
Source: Instagram/@samlarryy
Larry has also been in the company of notable government officials like President Tinubu, during a trip to Mecca, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit with Naira Marley.
In the past, he has allegedly gone under the name Sam Eletu, Elegushi, causing people to link him to the prominent royal families in Lagos and assume he’s one of them.
However, in a recent statement released by the Elegushi Royal Family, it was categorically stated that he isn’t a member of the royal family and doesn’t work for them either.
“Like other celebrities, politicians, religious and community leaders, he visits the palace to pay homage to the king and seek royal blessings just like other members of the public,” a portion of the statement read.
Why is he trending?
Shortly after the news of Mohbad’s death was confirmed, several Twitter users took to the platform with a disturbing clip which was captured in June 2023, at a music video shoot location. In the video, rapper Zlatan Ibile and Mohbad were filming a scene when Larry and some accomplices invaded the venue, ordering them to stop all they were doing. The promoter attempted to physically attack Mohbad, but Zlatan was fast enough to intervene and stop him.
The video caused an outrage on Twitter with many people tagging him as a bully and calling for the authorities to intervene.
A petition filed by Mohbad to the Nigerian police after the video shoot incident further sparked outrage against Larry and the Nigerian police.
In the letter dated June 27th, 2023, Mohbad accused Larry and his accomplices of threatening his life and damaging equipment at the location worth ₦5 million. He added that the entire cost of the ruined shoot was ₦8 million.
According to the late singer, Larry and his boys claimed they worked for prominent monarch, Oba Saheed Elegushi.
“…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 to date they are still threatening to kill me if seen.”
What’s the position of the authorities?
Responding to allegations of the police ignoring Mohbad’s call for help, PRO of the Lagos State Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the petition was taken to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Lagos Office.
Confirming receipt of the petition, the FCID via its spokesperson, Oluniyi Ogundeyi, in an interview with a media outlet, revealed that Mohbad failed to show up to defend his case and provide proof of the allegations. Ogundeyi equally confirmed that Sam Larry filed a counter-petition accusing Mohbad of defamation after he failed to show up to the police to defend his petition.
“We received the petition, and followed up on the information provided in the petition, and the suspects were invited. But Mohbad refused to show up to defend his petition and also provide evidence to assist the police in carrying out a proper investigation and forward the matter to the legal department for prosecution, if necessary.”
However, the Nigeria Police Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement shared via Twitter, stated that the force is committed to carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohabd’s demise.
“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,” the statement read.
The Elegushi Royal Family dissociates itself from Sam Larry
In an earlier press statement, the Elegushi Royal Family called for a thorough investigation into Mohbad’s demise, stressing that Sam Larry is not a member of the royal family.
“While extending our condolences to the family and friends of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba (known as Mohbad), we would like to add our voice to the call for a thorough investigation into circumstances surrounding his death, with a view to unravelling any foul play.”
At the moment, Sam Larry’s official Instagram account has been disabled.
Sam Larry breaks silence
In a video that surfaced online on Friday, September 15, the socialite maintained he had a cordial relationship with the late singer while he was still signed to Naira Marley’s label.
Larry admitted that while they have their difference, he’d never go as far as hurting the singer. According to him, some of the videos making the rounds online happened last year.
“I can’t kill Mohbad. I love him so much and God sees my heart. I have no hands in his death and some of the videos trending online are from last year.”
This is a developing story.
