In a recent YouTube video, Nigerian musician Naira Marley (born Azeez Fashola) addressed allegations surrounding his financial relationship with the late singer Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba), who died in September 2023. Marley stated that all royalty payments for Mohbad's music are secure and will be properly allocated.
Financial Arrangements and Royalty Payments
Marley explained that his record label, Marlian Music, has maintained transparent records of Mohbad's finances.
He claimed that in December 2022, Mohbad withdrew $72,000 from a digital service provider (DSP). Marley stated, "All these monies he took were not his. We had to hold some of his royalty payment till he returned the money he took." He added that the label has since contacted Mohbad's lawyer to arrange for the royalties to be released to the singer's family or a court-appointed representative.
According to Marley, their business arrangement was a 50/50 split, with the label covering all initial costs. "Our business is plain... We did 50-50; this is the first time I'm saying it. I paid for anything and everything and then we split 50-50," he said.
He also noted that Mohbad had independently chosen his manager in July 2020 and agreed to a 10% commission.
Well-being and Legal Matters
Marley also detailed his efforts to support Mohbad's well-being, stating that he paid for medical checks and medications during a difficult time for the singer.
Regarding the investigation into Mohbad's death, Marley reiterated his innocence and said those present just before the singer's passing should have been the focus. "I’ve never sent anybody to bully him," he said.
In February 2025, a Lagos court acquitted Naira Marley, promoter Sam Larry, Primeboy, and Mohbad's former manager of charges related to the singer's death. Earlier, a coroner’s court recommended the prosecution of an auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, for administering an injection to Mohbad without a prescription.
Marley concluded the video by assuring viewers that all financial matters related to Mohbad are "intact and available for lawful allocation."
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