British-Nigerian singer Azeez "Naira Marley" Fashola, founder of Marlian Records, has finally broken his silence almost three years after the controversial death of his signee, Ilerioluwa "Aloba" Mohbad. Marley released a viral documentary on his record label's official YouTube page, presenting his version of events and addressing the widespread allegations and 'cancel culture' that have targeted him since Mohbad's passing. This marks his first public statement despite ongoing investigations, coroner's rulings, autopsy reports, and disputes over royalties.

In the documentary, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the 34-year-old artist made several serious allegations and shared behind-the-scenes insights into Mohbad's life. He accused Mohbad's wife, his fellow signee Zinoleesky, and an unnamed friend of complicity, alleging that this friend introduced Mohbad to hard drugs. Marley also discussed Mohbad's parents and the specifics of the late singer's brief contract with Marlian Records. These revelations emerge against a backdrop where a coroner's inquest concluded Mohbad died due to medical negligence, recommending the prosecution of the involved nurse, and activist Martin "VeryDarkMan (VDM)" Otse launched his own 'investigation' with purported WhatsApp chats implicating various public figures.

Recounting the beginning of their relationship, Marley stated, "I didn't kill him (Mohbad) or bully him." He detailed how Mohbad, alongside Zinoleesky and others, was announced at Marlian Fest in December 2019. Marley first became aware of Mohbad's drug use on June 7, 2020, when he learned Mohbad was using "Ice," which he later discovered was Crack. He advised Mohbad about the dangers, and Mohbad explained he started taking it with a "crackhead friend." Marley stated there was "no bad blood," and he only offered advice, with Mohbad agreeing to stop.

Regarding financial matters, Marley addressed a bank account dispute on November 10, 2020. Mohbad initially claimed an account (Adesanya Justina Olajumoke) was his, then his mother's, but Marley suspected it was linked to Mohbad's wife, Wunmi's, family, as his mother's name was Abosede. Marley refused to pay into it, and Wunmi later admitted her involvement. Afterward, Mohbad began using his own account, Aloba Promise.

Marley also revisited the February 2022 NDLEA raid on Marlian House, which occurred while he was in Sweden. Zinoleesky, Subomi, and others were arrested, and Mohbad was also taken after a scuffle. Mohbad subsequently went live under duress, accusing Marley and others, including Wunmi and Zinoleesky, of endangering his life. Upon his return, Marley visited Mohbad in the hospital, paid his bills, and arranged a CT scan. Despite the incident, Mohbad remained with Marlian Music, releasing songs like 'Ronaldo' and 'Peace' in 2022.

Following the NDLEA incident on February 24, Mohbad moved out of Marlian House to his own apartment but maintained contact with Marley. Marley recounted trying to get Mohbad further help, arranging scans and meds. They met on March 22, 2022, where Mohbad expressed a desire to find a new place, which Marley supported.

Marley alleged that Mohbad attempted suicide on March 27, 2022, while Marley was in Puerto Rico. He received calls and messages that Mohbad was trying to jump out of a window. Marley called Mohbad, urging him not to take his life and offering support to address any stressors. Mohbad had previously made a video stating Marley should be held accountable if he died. Mohbad apologized, and Marley, after forgiving him, arranged for Zinoleesky and others, including Mohbad's father, to pick him up and keep him company. They went to a club show, ate together, and Mohbad seemed okay. However, Mohbad later insisted on going home. On March 29, Marley returned to Nigeria and met Mohbad, who again said he wasn't feeling fine. Marley then spoke to Mohbad's parents.

A reconciliation appeared to take place on May 30, Marlian Day, when Marley released his album. Mohbad attended and performed a song he was featured on, suggesting a good relationship with Zinoleesky and no outstanding issues. In September 2022, Mohbad asked to meet Marley, who provided transparent access to his financial records, demonstrating nothing to hide regarding Mohbad's earnings.

The documentary also detailed a managerial dispute and fallout in October 2022. Mohbad had chosen Tunde as his manager. Later, they quarreled, and Mohbad, intoxicated, confronted Tunde at the studio, leading to a fight that Marley intervened to stop. Shortly after, tweets emerged accusing Marlian Records of attacking Mohbad, which Marley believes were typed by someone else, noting Mohbad knew Tunde was not his brother. Chats from July 2020 confirmed Mohbad explicitly chose Tunde as his manager, with Marley only intervening to set Tunde's commission at 10%. By October 4, 2022, Mohbad expressed dissatisfaction with Tunde and wanted to handle payments himself, to which Marley insisted on a manager. This led to Mohbad insulting Tunde, and their confrontation escalating into a physical altercation Marley diffused.

The next day, October 7, 2022, Marley received a contract termination letter from Mohbad's lawyer, along with a request for payment logs. Marley stated he provided the logs and did not pursue Mohbad for $72,000 he had withdrawn from a DSP partner, choosing to let him go despite his investment.

Marley insisted he was not in Nigeria when Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, stating he was in Europe with Zinoleesky. He heard the news as a rumor, then saw reports that Mohbad died of an ear infection. Fingers were immediately pointed at him, with old videos, including the fight with Tunde, resurfacing. Marley also pledged that Mohbad's royalties remain untouched and will be handed over to whoever the court or his family appoints.

This entire saga highlights the brutal nature of 'cancel culture' in Nigeria. Mohbad's death in September 2023 quickly led to a social media uproar, turning public sentiment against Naira Marley. Videos and voice notes, hinting at bullying and oppression by Marley and associate Sam Larry, rapidly shifted the narrative. Social media transformed into a courtroom, with the 'mob' declaring Marley guilty. His songs were banned by radio stations, fans unfollowed him, and a digital manhunt ensued, portraying him as the face of music industry exploitation. This occurred while he was already facing an internet fraud trial with the EFCC.

Cancel culture, though global, is particularly ruthless in Nigeria due to a deep distrust in institutions, a desire for immediate justice, and a prevalence of emotional, irrational decision-making. Unlike in other climes, Nigerian cancel culture extends beyond hashtags, amplified by WhatsApp groups and gossip blogs, often leading to career destruction before facts are established. Naira Marley became an easy target for this social media mob justice, with narratives online seemingly indicting him. Celebrities and commentators joined the 'justice charge,' leading to blacklisting by DJs and international promoters, and relentless online dragging that devastated his reputation pre-investigation. The initial ban of his songs by Agidigbo FM, followed by its reversal nearly two years later, exemplifies how public rage dictated his fate ahead of official findings.

The dangers of cancel culture are significant in a society with weak police and courts, where outrage substitutes for justice. Disparities, like those seen in cases involving public figures versus ordinary citizens, expose how status can influence who gets 'cancelled.' Nigerian cancel culture also thrives on moral signaling, where individuals publicly condemn injustice while potentially perpetuating their own. The "Justice for Mohbad" movement, while highlighting systemic issues like record label exploitation and weak copyright laws, often channeled outrage into canceling one person, without addressing the root causes.

To navigate this, a more literate and discerning populace that demands facts over gossip is crucial, especially with the rise of AI-driven misinformation. The media has a responsibility to provide balance, nuance, and verification, rather than amplifying mob verdicts. Naira Marley's documentary, breaking his long silence, has split public opinion; some regret their hasty judgment, while others view it as damage control. This underscores that cancel culture punishes swiftly but rarely brings closure or true accountability. The entertainment industry must establish internal structures—unions, mediation boards, welfare protections—to resolve exploitation and bullying, preventing public anger from filling the vacuum of weak regulation. Finally, artists must recognize the power of public opinion, crisis-proof their brands, be mindful of associations, and respond with transparency and empathy, as silence or a misstep can quickly be interpreted as guilt, leading to career devastation.