Nigerian authorities in Lagos detain Afrobeats icon Naira Marley for questioning regarding the recent passing of singer and rapper MohBad, as announced on Tuesday.
“Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley has been taken into custody for interrogation and other investigation activities,” wrote police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin on X, formerly Twitter.
Shortly thereafter, Marley posted on X that he intended to”assist the authorities with the ongoing investigation,” stressing the importance of his contribution in light of the recent passing of MohBad.
“I’ll be meeting with the police with hopes for the truth to be uncovered and for justice to prevail,” he said.
MohBad, also known by his real name Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba and acclaimed for penning hits like “Feel Good,” tragically passed away at the age of 27 in September, as confirmed by his family through his Instagram account.
As the police remain tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the demise of the renowned singer, social media platforms have witnessed a surge in both outrage over his untimely passing and conjecture regarding potential harassment from influential figures within Nigeria’s highly influential music industry.
MohBad’s career soared in 2019 when he secured a contract with Marley’s influential record label. However, in 2022, they parted ways due to unresolved differences.
In the past few days, a segment of online fans has levied allegations connecting the rapper’s team to MohBad’s passing, leading to an online petition garnering over 250,000 signatures.
In a press statement, Marley’s record label refuted the allegations, emphasizing that he was profoundly affected by the loss of “a brother” and a “dear friend.”
Afrobeats, a musical genre originating in Nigeria in the 2000s, has experienced a remarkable surge in global popularity in recent years, with Nigerian luminaries such as Davido, Burna Boy, WizKid, and Rema earning international acclaim and recognition.
