By Chinedu Okoro, SaharaNews247 Investigations Desk
Introduction
The death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, continues to spark debate, controversy, and calls for justice. One of the most striking claims resurfaced in August 2025 when Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, alleged that his son was bullied by Naira Marley, popularly referred to in some reports as “Aira Marley.” This statement reignited public interest in the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s career struggles and untimely death.
But how true is this report? This article takes a fact-based, critical look at the testimonies, media reports, and legal outcomes surrounding the case.
Background of the Allegations
Mohbad joined Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Music, in 2019 but left under strained circumstances in 2022. After his death in 2023, his family repeatedly claimed that he suffered harassment and intimidation while working with the label.
In August 2025, his father reaffirmed those claims, saying:
“My son told me Naira Marley bullied him. I witnessed some incidents myself and heard reports from those close to the label.”
This allegation, however, has been strongly denied by Naira Marley, who insists he never bullied Mohbad and has cited recent court decisions as proof of his innocence.
Testimonies Supporting the Claim
1. Mohbad’s Father
Joseph Aloba has been vocal about his son’s struggles under Marlian Music. He maintains that Mohbad was harassed, mistreated, and at times physically attacked. He also revealed that Mohbad once described Naira Marley as “evil” and a “pretender”, remarks he initially dismissed but later came to regret ignoring.
2. Mohbad’s Wife
Perhaps the most compelling evidence came during the Lagos Coroner’s Inquest in November 2023, when Mohbad’s widow, Omowunmi Aloba, testified under oath that her husband had been bullied by Naira Marley and his associates. She recounted that the mistreatment continued even after Mohbad exited the label, affecting his mental health and career opportunities.
Her sworn testimony carries significant weight and forms part of the official investigative record.
Naira Marley’s Defense
In August 2025, Naira Marley released video statements denying all accusations of bullying and distancing himself from Mohbad’s death. He described himself as a mentor who supported Mohbad’s career and pointed to legal proceedings that did not convict him of any wrongdoing.
According to Marley:
> “I never bullied Mohbad. I didn’t cause his death. I supported him like a brother.”
Court documents and rulings from earlier cases appear to support his claim that there is, so far, no legal conviction linking him directly to Mohbad’s death.
Evidence and Legal Context
Family Testimony: Both father and widow consistently allege that bullying occurred, lending credibility to the claim.
Coroner’s Inquest: The widow’s sworn testimony is part of official proceedings, strengthening the allegation’s factual basis.
Public Denial: Naira Marley continues to deny the allegations, emphasizing court decisions that cleared him of direct criminal liability.
Legal vs. Moral Responsibility: While courts have not convicted Marley, the testimonies suggest a troubling pattern of mistreatment that may never have reached the threshold for criminal prosecution.
Critical Analysis
1. Consistency of Accounts: When multiple close family members independently report similar incidents, the allegation gains credibility.
2. Denial vs. Testimony: A denial, even with court clearance, does not automatically erase sworn testimonies. It only highlights the gap between legal proof and lived experiences.
3. Systemic Issues in the Music Industry: The Nigerian entertainment industry has long faced issues of exploitation, contract disputes, and abuse of power. Allegations like these reflect a broader pattern of young artists being vulnerable to mistreatment.
4. Cause of Death vs. Bullying: Even if bullying is proven, linking it directly to Mohbad’s death requires forensic and medical evidence. This distinction between “mistreatment” and “criminal causation” is crucial.
Conclusion
The claim by Mohbad’s father that “Aira Marley bullied my son” is not a baseless rumor. It is supported by consistent testimony from both his father and his widow, including sworn statements made before the Lagos Coroner’s Inquest. However, Naira Marley has firmly denied the allegations and currently stands legally cleared of criminal responsibility in relation to Mohbad’s death.
What emerges is a complex picture: credible testimonies of bullying on one hand, and strong legal defenses on the other. The truth, for now, remains caught between personal witness accounts and the outcomes of Nigeria’s justice system.
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Author Bio
Chinedu Okoro is a senior investigations writer at SaharaNews247. With over a decade of experience covering Nigerian justice, entertainment, and public affairs, he specializes in fact-checking, inquest reporting, and investigative journalism. Contact: chinedu.okoro@saharanews247.com.
