Lagos State Police Command on Thursday night said that Balogun Eletu, widely known as Sam Larry, an associate of singer Naira Marley, is in its custody over the alleged death of musician Mohbad.
The Command’s spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin announced this via X wrote “Balogun Olamilekan Eletu aka Sam Larry is now in our custody. He is currently assisting with the ongoing investigation.”
Sam Larry and Naira Marley have been at the centre of a public outrage over Mohbad’s death.
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A video captured Sam Larry storming Zlatan Ibilr’s music video shoot and attempting to harass Mohbad.
In his defence, Sam Larry posted a video on social media where he denied involvement in Mohbad’s death, insisting that he loved Mohbad while he was alive.
Mohbad died aged 27 on September 12 under controversial circumstances.
The police are investigating his death and have carried out an autopsy after exhuming his body.
The Lagos State judiciary has also announced a coroner’s inquest, due to commence on Friday, September 29, into the matter, at the instance of a human rights lawyer, Femi Falana.
Naira Marley denies
Meanwhile, Naira Marley, in a statement shared on his Instagram handle on Tuesday denied reports linking his record label to a drug business.
The controversial entertainer expressed his readiness to assist the police in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the death of Mohbad.
Naira Marley said, “As it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of lleri’s death, so it is to me.”
He said the reason for his being silent since the death of Mohbad was in order not to jeopardize the investigation being carried out by government agencies.
In addition, he noted, “I have been out of the country since the 31st of August, 2023 and I’m yet to return.”
Expressing his readiness to assist relevant agencies in the investigation process, Naira Marley added, “In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events. I am fully cooperating with the Police team and I certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when l have no hand in his death.”
“In due time, the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth. This kind of scenario of attempting to set someone up is not novel in the industry as other great musicians have experienced the same and came out better and stronger. Mine will not be an exception as I am innocent of the accusations,” part of the statement read.
Naira Marley, while explaining further, said since Mohbad left the label in September 2022 and the label accepted his departure, “Marlian Music did not stop or interfere with his career or releases since and he has been with one RPM. Legal efforts were made to reconcile his concerns regarding the work we had done together.”
He said the rumours regarding the label being a drug cartel were untrue.
“l am not a drug lord, neither do I, Marley, belong to any cult or fraternity. I’m dedicated to proving my innocence and I’m cooperating with the authorities to clear my name with sufficient evidence. Marlian Music is an independent label run by a small intimate team. We run a legitimate label that focuses on championing exceptional talent, breaking new acts and nurturing them,” he added.
