The Nigeria Police Force has announced that it will carry out a diligent investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
This followed the emergence of a document, wherein the late singer reported a case of alleged threat to life, malicious damage, assault, and oppression, among others, against a music promoter, Samson Balogun, aka Sam Larry and others, in a petition to the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos State.
In the June 27, 2023 petition, Mohbad alleged that Sam Larry and 15 others all armed, stormed the venue of a video shoot where the deceased and another artiste, Omoniyi Temidayo aka Zlatan Ibile, were working, and threatened to wreak havoc.
He added that they eventually destroyed equipment worth over N5m at the scene, and assaulted him (Mohbad) before he narrowly escaped after sustaining injuries.
The petition read, “I, of the above name and address, a law-abiding citizen and a musician bring to your notice the assault and threat to my life by the above-mentioned persons.
“On 25th June, 2023 while having a video shoot with another artist by name Zlatan (Ibile, the above mentioned persons numbering about fifteen led by Sam Larry Elegushi invaded the premises with dangerous arms such as guns, cutlasses etc where I was shooting video and scattered the whole process of the shooting, damaged the equipment I was using for the shooting valued about Five Million Naira and started threatening my life which in the process they became violent and assaulted me which I sustained injuries but narrowly escaped.
“Attached to this petition is the said pictures. Total amount I paid for the shooting they have destroyed is Eight Million Naira (N8,000,000) which is non-refundable.
“However, during the assault, they were boasting that they work for Oba Elegushi and that they have been asked to deal with me for reasons best known to them which till date they are still threatening to kill me if seen. Sir, I call on your good office to save my life from the above-mentioned persons and bring them to book.
“Sir, I call on your good office to save my life from the above-mentioned persons and bring them to book,” the petition partly read. Thank you for your timely intervention.”
When contacted earlier by our correspondent over the recent development, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a tacit WhatsApp message said, “Ok. I will find out.”
However, in a follow-up official statement entitled, ‘Mohbad’s Death: We Will Carry Out Diligent Investigation – FPRO,’ he noted that the police were committed to a comprehensive investigation into the matter, adding that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.
Adejobi said, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, who recently passed away. We understand the concerns regarding his untimely demise.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to a comprehensive investigation into this matter, as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death. Rest assured; updates will be provided as investigations unfold.
“We encourage family members or close associates with valuable information to approach the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to assist in this process. In the meantime, we kindly request that individuals refrain from making statements or engaging in activities that could jeopardize the ongoing investigation. Your trust and support are deeply valued.”
The controversial socialite Sam Larry has come under fire on social media after a video where he and some others were seen harassing late singer, Mohbad surfaced on social media.
In the video, Mohbad and Zlatan were on set for a music video when Larry stormed the scene with some boys targeting Mohbad who scampered away in fear. Zlatan, however, tried to save the situation as he stood up to Larry and his allies to forestall any attack or bullying on Mohbad.
The video left many Nigerians on social media furious as they stormed Larry’s Instagram page to attack him for bullying and threatening the late singer. Larry, who is said to be an ally of Naira Marley, has since deactivated his Instagram account following the torrents of cyber-attacks received since the video emerged.
Mohbad died on Tuesday at the age of 27. Mohbad’s management also released an official statement confirming his passing away.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Promise Oladimeji Aloba PK/A Mohbad (Imole) today, the 12th of September, 2023.
“Mohbad was light until the very end, and as we mourn the loss of the brightness he carried, the family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time. Imole is finally at Peace,” the short statement posted on both his Instagram and X handles read.
