On September 12, 2023, the Nigerian music industry was rocked by the untimely death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. The 27-year-old rapper and singer passed away under mysterious circumstances, leaving fans and the public in shock and igniting a wave of outrage. Mohbad, once a signee of Naira Marley’s Marlian Records, had parted ways with the label in 2022 amid allegations of assault, threats, and unpaid royalties. His death sparked a nationwide movement, with the hashtag #Justice4MohBad trending across social media platforms and protests erupting in his honor.
Mohbad’s music, characterized by its raw depiction of life’s struggles in Nigeria, struck a chord with millions. Tracks like "Ponmo," "Peace," and "KPK (Ko Por Ke)" showcased his talent and earned him a loyal fanbase. Yet, behind the scenes, his journey was fraught with challenges. His exit from Marlian Records was anything but smooth, with reports of physical abuse and financial exploitation painting a grim picture of his time under the label.
Nearly two years on, the quest for justice in Mohbad’s case remains unresolved. The Lagos State Police Command has been investigating, but progress has been slow, and many questions linger. High-profile figures like Naira Marley and Sam Larry have been linked to the case, adding layers of complexity and intrigue. As the public demands answers, a new development has reignited the conversation: a voice note released by social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), implicating Zlatan Ibile and Sam Larry in the ongoing saga.
Vincent Otse Martins, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), is a polarizing figure in Nigeria’s social media landscape. A self-proclaimed activist, VDM has built a reputation for his fearless commentary on controversial issues, often taking on celebrities and influential personalities. His platform has become a megaphone for calling out perceived injustices, from celebrity misconduct to systemic failures.
In the wake of Mohbad’s death, VDM emerged as a staunch advocate for accountability. He has consistently criticized the sluggish pace of the official investigation and accused certain individuals of obstructing justice. His approach is unapologetically confrontational, earning him both ardent supporters and vocal detractors. While some laud his courage, others view his tactics as sensationalist, accusing him of amplifying drama for clout.
The Alleged Zlatan Voice Note
The bombshell at the center of this controversy is a voice recording VDM shared on his Instagram page. The audio, which quickly went viral, purportedly captures a conversation between Sam Larry, a music promoter with a contentious reputation, and Zlatan Ibile, a prominent Nigerian artist. In the recording, Zlatan is heard expressing reluctance to engage publicly in the debates surrounding Mohbad’s death, citing the intense online drama and potential backlash as deterrents.
Speaking in Yoruba, Zlatan reportedly says the controversy "does not concern him" and references media narratives that he believes have distorted the truth. He also alludes to a previously surfaced video clip from a music video shoot, where Sam Larry is seen approaching Mohbad aggressively. In that footage, Zlatan intervenes to de-escalate the situation, a moment that has since been cited as evidence of the harassment Mohbad endured.
The voice note’s release was accompanied by a bold ultimatum from VDM: Zlatan has 48 hours to explain his silence during the initial calls for justice following Mohbad’s death. This move has placed Zlatan under intense scrutiny, forcing him to confront allegations of indifference or complicity in a case that has gripped the nation.
The authenticity of the recording remains unverified, but its impact is undeniable. It has reignited discussions about Mohbad’s death and raised questions about the roles of those close to him in the music industry.
Public Reaction's to The Voice Note
The voice note has split public opinion down the middle. On one hand, VDM’s supporters praise him for uncovering what they see as new evidence, applauding his persistence in pushing for transparency. They argue that holding influential figures like Zlatan accountable is crucial to uncovering the truth about Mohbad’s death. Social media posts from this camp often highlight the need for justice, with many urging Zlatan to break his silence.
Conversely, critics question VDM’s motives and the validity of the recording. Some accuse him of exploiting Mohbad’s tragedy for personal gain, suggesting the audio could be manipulated or taken out of context. Others defend Zlatan, arguing that his reluctance to speak out may stem from a desire to avoid unnecessary conflict rather than any sinister intent.
The online discourse has been further complicated by comments from Karimot, Mohbad’s sister-in-law. In a widely shared video, she slammed both VDM and Sam Larry, accusing them of spreading falsehoods. Karimot claimed to possess her own evidence—including unreleased videos—that could shed light on the situation, hinting at a potential counter-narrative. Her involvement has added yet another dimension to an already convoluted story, intensifying calls for clarity.
Infohubfacts Analysis
If the voice note is genuine which is likely, its implications are profound. It could suggest that key players in Nigeria’s music industry were aware of troubling circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death yet chose to remain silent. This possibility points to a deeper issue: a culture of fear and complicity that may pervade the industry, silencing those who might otherwise speak out against injustice.
Nigeria’s music scene, while a global powerhouse, has long been dogged by allegations of exploitation, bullying, and violence. Young artists like Mohbad often navigate a treacherous landscape, vulnerable to manipulation by more established figures. The video of Sam Larry confronting Mohbad, coupled with Zlatan’s alleged hesitance to get involved, paints a picture of an industry where power dynamics can stifle accountability.
Zlatan’s apparent decision to stay quiet—whether out of fear, indifference, or strategic calculation—raises uncomfortable questions. Why would a prominent artist, who witnessed an altercation involving Mohbad, opt for silence when the public demanded answers? Could this reflect a broader reluctance among industry Ascotism to intervene, suggesting that external pressures or personal considerations may have influenced his stance?
VDM’s release of the voice note has undeniably kept Mohbad’s case in the public eye. By issuing Zlatan a 48-hour ultimatum, he has amplified the pressure on both the artist and the authorities to address lingering doubts. Whether this will lead to concrete revelations or simply fuel more speculation remains uncertain, but it underscores the power of social media in driving narratives and demanding justice.
Conclusion
As the clock ticks down on VDM’s 48-hour deadline, all eyes are on Zlatan. Will he respond to the allegations, offering insight into his actions—or lack thereof—following Mohbad’s death? A statement from him could provide critical context, either corroborating or refuting the voice note’s implications. Silence, however, might deepen public suspicion, casting a shadow over his reputation.
The quest for justice for Mohbad is far from over. VDM’s actions have ensured that the conversation endures, keeping the pressure on investigators and industry insiders alike. The public’s demand for answers remains as fierce as ever, a testament to Mohbad’s enduring legacy and the collective resolve to uncover the truth.
For now, caution is key. The voice note, while compelling, requires scrutiny—its authenticity must be confirmed, and the motivations of all involved parties considered. The road to justice is fraught with challenges, but the ongoing efforts to illuminate Mohbad’s story reflect a broader truth: when people unite, they can hold even the powerful to account. As this saga unfolds, one thing is clear: the fight for Mohbad is a fight for a more just and transparent industry—and it’s a fight worth watching.