In a video shared on YouTube, Marley recounted his side of events leading up to Mohbad’s passing in September 2023 at the age of 27. The singer, who was acquitted of any wrongdoing by a Lagos Magistrate’s Court in February 2024, maintained that he had no involvement in the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
According to Marley, tensions between both parties were often exaggerated. He said he first became aware of Mohbad’s alleged substance use in June 2020, a matter he claims to have approached with concern rather than hostility.
“I wasn’t angry. I called him and advised him about the dangers. He said he got into it because of stress but promised to stop. I didn’t force him to do anything,” Marley said.
The Marlian Records boss also highlighted Mohbad’s independence in some professional dealings, including his choice of manager and negotiation of commissions.
On the controversial NDLEA raid of Marlian House in February 2022, Marley insisted that he was abroad at the time, noting that Mohbad’s subsequent outburst on Instagram Live—where he alleged threats to his life—was made under duress.
“Mohbad went live shortly after he was released. While having a panic attack he accused me and others. He even accused our wives and his own girl,” Marley said.
He further clarified that Mohbad’s departure from Marlian Music was formalized in October 2022, after the singer’s lawyer sent a termination letter. Marley claimed that payment records were shared to demonstrate transparency.
The singer also alleged that Mohbad had withdrawn $72,000 from a digital streaming partner without authorization, prompting the label to withhold some royalties until the funds were returned.
Marley, who expressed frustration at being continually linked to Mohbad’s death, reiterated his innocence:
“I’ve never sent anybody to bully him. I’ve never bullied him. I warned everybody to leave him. I was in Europe when he died.”
In closing, Marley stated that Marlian Music is willing to release Mohbad’s royalties to his family or whomever the court recognizes as the rightful beneficiary.
Mohbad’s death sparked widespread mourning and protests in Nigeria, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances. While Marley has now given his account, public opinion around the tragedy remains sharply divided.