“It’s All Lies, Naira Marley Mistreated My Son Till His Death” — Mohbad’s Father Fires Back at Singer’s Denial

The controversy surrounding the tragic death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has once again taken a new turn as his father, Joseph Aloba, has publicly countered the recent statement made by Naira Marley, the late artist’s former record label boss. In a fresh interview, Aloba insisted that contrary to Naira Marley’s defense, Mohbad was indeed mistreated and subjected to emotional and physical abuse during his lifetime, a situation that, according to him, contributed to the turbulence that engulfed his son’s short but eventful music career.

The matter has been reignited after Naira Marley, who has faced repeated accusations of bullying, exploitation, and complicity in Mohbad’s woes, released a video earlier in the week denying any role in his struggles or untimely demise. The controversial musician, who was once the face of Nigeria’s new-age street hop music, claimed that his relationship with Mohbad was guided only by genuine concern and mentorship. He went as far as to suggest that his interventions were simply attempts to help Mohbad steer clear of substance abuse and other destructive habits. But Mohbad’s father, who has consistently maintained that his son was a victim of sustained mistreatment, has now pushed back strongly against Marley’s claims.

In his account, Aloba revealed that he had firsthand knowledge of some of the alleged abuses Mohbad suffered while under Marlian Music, the record label owned by Naira Marley. According to him, one of Marley’s close associates, who also worked within the label at the time, had confided in him about physical assaults Mohbad endured at the hands of the singer. He recalled a particular instance where reports reached him that Mohbad was being beaten, and when he decided to confront Marley, the atmosphere was far from respectful. Aloba lamented that his intention was never to cause trouble but simply to protect his son’s wellbeing and safeguard his career from further harm.

“I went to see Naira Marley over some of the things Mohbad had said, and that was all,” Aloba explained during the interview. “But later, a lot of other things happened that I personally witnessed. There were about three other people present at the time; two of them are still alive today. They were people working with Naira Marley, even though they were younger and still under him. One of them once came to me to report that Naira Marley was beating Mohbad. When we went to see him to apologise, he wasn’t even speaking respectfully. People think I went there to collect money, but life is much more than just what I want to eat.”

Aloba’s words paint a contrasting picture to the one Marley had tried to present in his defense. While Marley’s camp has continued to insist that the singer was only ever a benefactor who gave Mohbad a platform and guidance, the late artist’s father maintains that the toxic environment in which his son was forced to navigate his career left him mentally scarred and emotionally burdened. His assertions add to the growing chorus of fans, family members, and observers who believe that Mohbad’s death cannot be separated from the troubled relationship he had with his former boss and label.

The matter of financial dealings also came up during the discussion, with Aloba addressing allegations that Mohbad had used an unfamiliar bank account to conduct business and receive funds. Naira Marley had previously highlighted this issue, accusing Mohbad of dishonesty and suggesting it as a source of tension between them. On his part, Aloba confirmed that he was indeed aware of the controversy but clarified that it was not as sinister as Marley tried to frame it.

“Naira Marley complained to me that he (Mohbad) was collecting money with an account that is not his and that he (Naira Marley) had to force him to use his personal account,” Aloba explained. “I also saw that he was sending me money from a strange account and I warned him that anything he wants to give me should come from his own account. That’s what I know about the account issue.”

This revelation adds yet another layer of complexity to the already convoluted saga that has trailed Mohbad’s career since his passing in September 2023. The young artist, who was only 27 years old at the time of his death, left behind not just a budding career filled with promise but also an avalanche of unanswered questions, allegations, and counter-allegations. From claims of harassment and intimidation to legal disputes and now conflicting testimonies from key figures in his life, Mohbad’s story has evolved into one of the most talked-about tragedies in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Fans and sympathizers have continued to express outrage over the unresolved circumstances surrounding his death, with many calling for justice and clarity. The ongoing back-and-forth between Naira Marley and Mohbad’s father has only deepened public suspicion and kept the spotlight firmly on the lingering mysteries of what the late singer went through. For a man like Joseph Aloba, who has had to endure the painful loss of a son while still being forced to defend his legacy in the public space, the fight seems far from over.

On social media, the reactions have been divided. While some Nigerians have expressed support for Naira Marley’s attempts to clear his name, many more have thrown their weight behind Mohbad’s father, praising him for speaking his truth despite pressure from Marley’s loyal fan base. The emotional tone of Aloba’s testimony has struck a chord with many who believe his words carry the weight of a grieving father determined to ensure that the story of his son is not whitewashed or rewritten.

The controversy also touches on a wider conversation about the state of Nigeria’s music industry, where power dynamics between young artists and their label bosses often tilt heavily against the former. Mohbad’s death and the revelations that continue to spill in its wake have triggered calls for better regulation, artist protection, and mental health support in an industry where fame often comes at a heavy price.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Mohbad’s memory remains at the center of a storm that is far from abating. His father’s latest outburst against Naira Marley’s denial has ensured that the matter will not be easily swept under the carpet. For fans, friends, and loved ones, the hope remains that one day, the full truth will come to light, and justice—whether legal, moral, or spiritual—will finally be served.

In the meantime, Joseph Aloba’s firm rebuttal to Naira Marley serves as a reminder that for every denial, there are witnesses and voices determined to challenge the narrative. In his words, life is more than just money, and for him, it is about protecting the dignity of his son, even in death. With each new statement, the battle over Mohbad’s legacy deepens, and the Nigerian music industry watches closely, knowing that this case will not fade away any time soon.