Naira Marley has finally spoken out in a detailed video titled “My Side of the Story”, addressing the controversy surrounding the death of his former signee, Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba), who passed away in September 2023. The video, released on the Marlian Music YouTube channel, comes nearly two years after intense public scrutiny and speculation linked Marley and his associate Sam Larry to Mohbad’s tragic death.
Key Points from Naira Marley’s Statement
He Was Out of the Country
Naira Marley emphasized that he was not in Nigeria at the time of Mohbad’s death. He claimed to have passport stamps and travel records to prove his absence, stating that he was in Amsterdam preparing to shoot a music video when the news broke.
Reaction to Mohbad’s Death
According to Marley, he initially thought the news of Mohbad’s death was a hoax. He described feeling shocked and devastated, especially as social media quickly turned against him, accusing him of being involved. He said, “I didn’t even get to mourn him properly because people were blaming me for what I didn’t do”.
Allegations and Public Backlash
Marley addressed the viral videos and accusations that resurfaced after Mohbad’s death, including footage from past altercations and NDLEA incidents. He claimed these were being used to manipulate public perception and shift blame toward him and his label.
Relationship with Mohbad
He also spoke about his personal relationship with Mohbad, revealing that he had advised the late singer against using hard substances. Marley claimed that Mohbad had apologized and admitted to using drugs due to stress. He denied any involvement in bullying or withholding royalties.
Legal Context
Although Marley and Sam Larry were arrested and held in custody for over a month, they were eventually cleared of direct involvement in Mohbad’s death by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions in February 2025. Despite this, public opinion remains divided, and many Nigerians continue to demand accountability.
Emotional Tone and Public Reaction
In a written statement titled “A Brother’s Pain, A Heart’s Cry”, Marley expressed sorrow and frustration, saying he felt betrayed by those who allowed the public to vilify him while knowing the truth. He wrote, “I have carried this weight, this pain, this shame that was never mine to bear”.
The video and statement have sparked renewed debate online. While some fans sympathize with Marley’s emotional account, others remain skeptical, questioning the timing and authenticity of his revelations.
Naira Marley – My Side Of The Story Video
