The Lagos State Police Command has obtained a remand warrant to extend the detention of singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and music promoter Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry. This extension goes beyond the constitutional provision of 48 hours. The detention is part of an ongoing investigation into the death of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed this development during an exclusive telephone interview. He clarified that the duo had not been arraigned on the case but were taken to court to secure a remand warrant, ensuring their detention would not exceed the 48-hour legal limit.
Hundeyin stated, “They were not arraigned for the case itself; they were taken to court for us to get a remand warrant to enable us to detain them beyond the constitutional 48 hours provision, so that we’re not accused of over-detention. To get the remand warrant, we needed to present the people in court. And we indeed got the warrant, but I can’t ascertain the number of days granted yet; I’d make it available to you once I obtain it.”
Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, in Lagos and was buried the following day. However, his corpse was later exhumed about a week later, leading to accusations against Naira Marley and Sam Larry, although they denied any involvement in his death.
The deceased had a controversial departure from Marlian Records, owned by Naira Marley, and his relationship with his former boss remained strained afterward.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has declared a singer and friend of the deceased, Owodunni Ibrahim, also known as Prime Boy, as wanted for failing to honor a police invitation regarding Mohbad’s death. A statement from the police offers a reward for information leading to his arrest and describes his physical features and last-known address.
The investigation into Mohbad’s death continues, and the police are taking steps to ensure that all parties involved are properly questioned and investigated.