A Sabo-Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has discharged Abdulazeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and his associate, Samson Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, of any involvement in the death of Nigerian artist Ilerioluwa Alogba, widely known as Mohbad.

The court ruled that a nurse, Feysayo Ogedengbe, and Ayobami Sadiq should instead be prosecuted for alleged recklessness and negligence leading to Mohbad’s death.

Magistrate E. Kubeinje, citing legal advice from the Lagos State Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), stated that there was no evidence linking Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Owodunni Ibrahim (Primeboy), or Mohbad’s manager, Babatunde Opere, to the artist’s death.

However, the court acknowledged that an unlawful assault was committed against Mohbad by Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and Opere. Still, it concluded that the assault did not reach the level of criminal responsibility in connection with Mohbad’s death.

The court also noted that Mohbad had previously withdrawn his assault complaint against Naira Marley in a letter dated October 11, 2022, stating that the issue had been amicably resolved.

Consequently, Magistrate Kubeinje ordered the release of all four individuals if they were still in custody and ruled that only Ogedengbe and Sadiq should face prosecution under Section 251(e) of the Lagos State Criminal Laws, 2015.

The case was adjourned until March 24 for an update on the proceedings.