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Key things Naira Marley said about Mohbad in new tell-all interview
On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Nigerian artist and Marlian Music boss Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, granted a long-awaited YouTube interview where he spoke extensively about his rocky relationship with the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad).
The interview, coming almost two years after Mohbad’s untimely death in September 2023, has set social media abuzz. In it, Marley attempted to clarify his role in Mohbad’s career and counter public accusations linking him to the singer’s struggles and eventual demise.
Here are the key takeaways from Marley’s account:
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Mohbad’s Signing (December 2019)
Marley recalled signing Mohbad to Marlian Music in December 2019, alongside Zinoleesky and others. He described him as “hungry and passionate,” eager to dominate charts and win awards quickly.
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“Simple” Contract Terms
He said Mohbad’s contract was 50/50 on revenue, with the label covering costs for production, promotion, and welfare in exchange for four albums — which Marley described as “very fair” compared to industry norms.
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Denial of Financial Exploitation
Marley claimed Mohbad had full access to streaming and performance earnings through digital platforms, insisting he never shortchanged him.
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Early Concerns Over Drug Use (June 2020)
According to Marley, he noticed signs of Mohbad using “ice” (crystal meth/crack) and personally warned him of the dangers.
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Mohbad’s Explanation
Marley said Mohbad admitted using substances to cope with stress, apologised, and promised to quit.
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The Lexus Milestone (November 2021)
He recalled Mohbad buying his own Lexus car in November 2021, which he celebrated as proof of the singer’s progress.
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NDLEA Arrest (February 2022)
When Mohbad was arrested by the NDLEA on February 24, 2022, Marley said he cut short a Sweden trip to return home, stand by him, and arrange legal help.
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Medical & Financial Support
After the NDLEA incident, Marley said he paid hospital bills, scans, and medication to aid Mohbad’s recovery.
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Suicide Scare (March 2022)
He shared that Mohbad once attempted suicide by trying to jump from a window. Marley claimed he persuaded him over the phone not to go through with it, urging him to focus on music.
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Involving Parents
Marley said he made sure Mohbad’s parents were aware of his mental health struggles so they could provide closer supervision and support.
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Strange Payments to Mother-in-Law’s Account
He revealed Mohbad often asked for money to be paid into his mother-in-law’s account (Wunmi’s mother) instead of his own, which Marley admitted left him puzzled.
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Managerial Rift (October 2022)
Marley described a clash between Mohbad and his manager, Tunde, which escalated into a fight until he intervened.
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Contract Termination & DSP Withdrawal
Mohbad’s lawyers terminated his Marlian contract in October 2022. Marley said he didn’t resist but later discovered that Mohbad withdrew $72,000 from a DSP account, which he claimed wasn’t solely his.
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Last Contact & Missed Apology
Marley last saw Mohbad on October 4, 2022. He alleged Mohbad later wanted to apologise before his death, but he avoided reconciliation, saying the situation was “too heavy.”
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Reaction to Mohbad’s Death
Marley said he first heard of Mohbad’s passing in Amsterdam on September 12, 2023, initially thinking it was a publicity stunt. He was shocked when online narratives quickly painted him guilty. Despite backlash, he returned to Nigeria, faced police detention for two months, and insists he’s ready to release all royalties to Mohbad’s family.
Final Note
This interview marks Naira Marley’s most comprehensive public attempt to distance himself from accusations surrounding Mohbad’s death. While some may remain skeptical, his revelations shed light on a complicated mix of mentorship, friendship, conflict, and tragedy that shaped their relationship.