A peaceful demonstration took place outside the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ikorodu on Wednesday, marking the one-year anniversary of the controversial death of Nigerian street-hop artist, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, who passed away on September 12, 2023, in Lagos.
The protest, tagged "Justice for Mohbad," was led by Yoruba actor Yomi Fabiyi, near the court where the ongoing coroner's inquest into Mohbad's death is taking place. Mohbad's death, initially followed by a swift burial, sparked nationwide outrage, leading to his body being exhumed a week later for a post-mortem examination. Witnesses and online reports at the time claimed his neck appeared to have been broken to fit into the casket.
Fans and close associates of Mohbad also uncovered videos and images of alleged assaults on him, reportedly orchestrated by former music associates from Marlian Records after he parted ways with them to pursue independence. As public sympathy grew, accusations and online backlash mounted against Marlian Records founder Naira Marley, his associate Sam Larry, and artist Zinoleesky, all of whom faced cyberbullying from angry fans.
Following these events, Mohbad's body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, as part of the investigation into his death. In February of this year, reports indicated delays in the release of his autopsy results, as samples were sent to NMS Labs in Pennsylvania, USA, for toxicology and skeletal analysis. The prolonged delay in receiving the results has fueled public suspicion.
In response to the protest, Mohbad's mother, Mrs. Abosede Aloba, called for prayers for her late son. She also urged authorities to release Mohbad's remains for a proper burial. "Whatever Mohbad’s father says is final. We do not support any celebration in remembrance of our son. The best you can do is to pray for him," she stated, adding that the family wishes to resolve the ongoing issues and move on.
Mohbad, also known as "Imole," was a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was formerly signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Records but left in 2022 to start his own label, Imolenization. Some of his popular songs include "Peace," "Ko Por Ke (KPK)," and "Sabi." He was married to his longtime partner, Wunmi, with whom he had a son.
