A Lagos Magistrates’ Court sitting in Sabo, Yaba, has freed trending artiste Abdulazeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, music promoter Samson Balogun, also known as Sam Larry, and Owodunni Ibrahim, also known as Primeboy, of any criminal act in Mohbad’s death.

On Tuesday, Magistrate Kubenje issued the judgment, which followed the legal advice given by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) Lagos. By the judgment, the three had no case to answer in relation to the tragic death of Mohbad. By this judgment, they were cleared of any wrongdoing or direct connection to the death of the late singer.

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The deceased Mohbad, a former Marlian Records artiste, passed away under strange conditions on September 12, 2023. His sudden death ignited a national outcry, with fans and the general public demanding justice after the drama that surrounded his death. Mohbad had made several allegations in the past that he was threatened and harassed, with some of the allegations targeting Naira Marley and Sam Larry, among others. His demise was followed by protests across the country, with most believing foul play was involved.

However, in a stunning verdict, the court cleared Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and Primeboy of any role in his death, further stating that the legal advice from the DPP confirmed that they had no case to answer. Opere Babatunde, the former manager of Mohbad, who was also accused, was also cleared.

Despite these individuals being acquitted, the case was not closed by the court. The DPP confirmed that Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who had treated Mohbad before his death, and Ayobami Sadiq, a friend of the deceased musician, would be charged with reckless and negligent conduct. The two will face trial under Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, and the trial will be conducted at the Magistrate Court.

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The four celebrities acquitted by the court’s judgment have raised public opinion, with the majority wondering whether the right individuals are held accountable. The judgment has come under general skepticism, with others believing that the investigation has failed to investigate both sides of the issue. The public interest in the issue still remains high since the majority would like to learn more about the conditions under which Mohbad died.

The drama that followed the death of Mohbad was caused by the videos and social media posts that were released following the death. The videos have been reported to capture Mohbad being harassed and intimidated by players like Sam Larry and Naira Marley. These claims, together with the singer himself reporting to have been threatened previously, put people guessing that his death did not occur as a result of natural causes but due to foul play.

Even as the autopsy results are still pending to shed light on Mohbad’s death, the clearance of the prime suspects, such as his ex-manager and record label owner, has sparked controversy over the credibility of the probe.

The indictment of Ogedengbe and Sadiq for negligent and reckless actions is a new development in the case, but for others, the ruling to acquit high-profile suspects in Mohbad’s life and career leaves questions unanswered. The critics contend that justice has not been properly served, particularly in light of the public outrage and calls for accountability that ensued following the death of the singer in a manner so untimely.

The decision of the court was followed up by other followers and fans of Mohbad pledging to continue the fight for justice, requesting additional investigation of the incidents that happened in the life and death of the singer.

Along the way throughout the case, the trial of the friend and nurse will undoubtedly be followed with wishes that the trial will be able to make clearer what transpired around the tragic demise of Mohbad. But the release of the ones once considered to be the main suspects helps to create unresolved tension regarding the investigation.

Clearing the names of Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and Opere Babatunde may have brought some form of legal closure, but public outcry and ongoing debate suggest that the drama over Mohbad’s death is far from over.

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