Court Clears Naira Marley, Sam Larry in Mohbad Case Amid Outrage

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has dismissed a legal challenge filed by the father of the late singer Mohbad against Naira Marley and music promoter Sam Larry. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, July 3, 2025, has sparked heated reactions both online and offline, with fans, activists, and the late singer’s family questioning the outcome.

Justice Taiwo Olatokun ruled that the state government cannot be compelled to prosecute Naira Marley (real name Azeez Fashola) or Sam Larry (Samson Balogun) over Mohbad’s controversial death. The court stated that the Attorney General, through the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), holds absolute discretion in deciding whether to charge suspects. That power, the judge explained, cannot be questioned by the courts under the current law.

Mohbad’s father, Mr. Joseph Aloba, had filed a suit arguing that the DPP’s decision to clear Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others violated his son's right to justice. He insisted that the legal advice issued by the state effectively killed any chance of a full investigation. His legal team accused the DPP of acting prematurely, especially as a coroner’s inquest into Mohbad’s death is still ongoing.

But in the DPP’s response, submitted on June 24, the agency maintained that there was no direct or circumstantial evidence linking the suspects to the death of the 27-year-old artist, who passed away under mysterious circumstances in September 2023. The DPP further clarified that the suspects were only “discharged,” not acquitted, meaning they could still face legal action if new evidence comes to light.

Justice Olatokun echoed that position in court, emphasizing that the DPP’s decision was not final in a way that would prevent future prosecution. However, the dismissal of the father’s challenge has led many to question whether justice for Mohbad will ever be served. The late singer’s fans, many of whom followed his troubled relationship with Naira Marley and his former label with deep concern, are now demanding greater transparency from the state.

For Mohbad’s family, the judgment feels like a blow. They have vowed not to give up and are reportedly taking the matter to the Court of Appeal in a bid to reopen the case. On social media, the outrage is growing, with hashtags like #JusticeForMohbad and #EndImpunity trending once again.

While Naira Marley and Sam Larry have remained largely silent since the court’s decision, their legal teams maintain that their clients are innocent and have suffered greatly from public scrutiny and online bullying. Still, the public remains divided. Some believe the legal system failed a young man who cried out for help before his tragic end. Others argue that without hard evidence, prosecution would only serve as a media spectacle.

One thing is clear: Mohbad’s death has left a scar on Nigeria’s entertainment scene, and this ruling has reopened painful wounds. Whether justice will ever be fully served is now in the hands of the appellate court and perhaps, public pressure.