Court Rules Lagos Govt Can’t Be Forced to Prosecute Naira Marley, Sam Larry Over Mohbad’s Death

A Lagos High Court has ruled that the Lagos State government cannot be compelled to prosecute singer Naira Marley and show promoter Sam Larry over the controversial death of artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice Olatokun of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, issued the ruling on Wednesday, dismissing a legal request filed by Mohbad’s father to challenge the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) advice which cleared the duo of any criminal liability in the singer’s death.

The judge emphasized that the state’s Attorney General has absolute discretion to initiate or decline prosecution and that such discretion cannot be legally questioned.

The controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death in September 2023 triggered widespread outrage. Viral videos and past social media posts raised suspicions that he had faced threats and intimidation, particularly from individuals linked to Marlian Records, which was owned by Naira Marley.

Protests and public demands for justice followed, leading to the arrest of several persons, including Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and Primeboy.

However, in February 2025, a Magistrate Court in Yaba cleared the trio, citing the DPP’s legal advice that no evidence tied them directly to the singer’s demise.

The court, however, approved prosecution against Mohbad’s nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and his friend, Ayobami Sadiq, for reckless and negligent conduct under Section 251(e) of the Lagos State Criminal Law.

Reacting to the ruling, Wahab Shittu (SAN), counsel to the Aloba family, expressed disappointment and vowed to appeal the judgment:

“Our interest is not to witch-hunt anyone. We are only pursuing justice for the late Mohbad.”

With the court’s decision standing, only the nurse and Mohbad’s friend face trial, raising renewed public concern over the fate of key figures previously linked to the case.