A new twist has emerged in the controversy surrounding the death of Afrobeats budding artiste, Ikerioluwa Promise Aliba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Mixed reactions have trailed his death since Tuesday with accusing fingers being pointed in the direction of his former record label boss, Naira Marley and his partner, a controversial show promoter, Samson Balogun, also known as Sam Larry.
Mohbad was reported to have written a petition to the Nigerian Police in June 2023 alleging threat to his life from the two men and their supporters.
However, a copy of a counter-petition filed on August 1, 2023, by Sam Larry, alleging a breach of ₦7.5million contract by late singer, Mohbad, sometime in the year 2022, has also surfaced.
Mohbad breathed his last on Tuesday at the age of 27 and his demise has since raised concerns about series of alleged bullying, harassment and intimidation that may have led to his death.
The petition received and stamped by the Lagos Annex, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, on August 7, 2023, was written through a law firm, Ibukun Olu-Jacobs & Co.
Sam Larry accused Mohbad of obtaining money under false pretence, breach of trust, character assassination, and giving false information to the police.
The petition read in part: “Petition against Promise Olamide (aka Mohbad) for obtaining money under false pretence, breach of trust, character assassination, and giving false information to the police: An urgent request to stop a manipulative criminal and to avert further damage to reputation.
“We refer to the above subject. We are counsel to Samlarry Elegushi (“Our Client”) on whose behalf and instruction we write this petition. Sometimes in February 2002, our client engaged the services of one Promise Oladimeji (aka Mohbad) to perform at his party in the United Arab Emirates between February 17 – 25, 2022, sequel to which Promise Oladimeji was paid as agreed, the sum of ₦2millions in addition to the purchase of Business Class return ticket, hotel accommodation bookings in Dubai, all totally not less than ₦7.5million. After collecting all the listed sums, Promise Oladimeji failed to attend and perform at the party as agreed, thereby occasioning a serious financial loss to our client and damage to his business and personal reputation due to the disappointing fans that left angrily after waiting for hours to enjoy the performance of the artist our client promised them.
“In early March 2022, our client reached out to Promise Oladimeji to demand a refund of the N7.5 million but the demand was rejected by Promise Oladimeji. When our client insisted on the refund, Promise Oladimeji resulted initially to abuse and insults and therouter to thereafter to threats of harm against our client. Any time our client runs into Promise Oladimeji at any event, he (Promise Olademeji) always ensures that our client is not left in any doubt of dire consequences that await him for daring to demand a refund of his money and expenses.”
Mohbad, before his demise, had on June 27 2023, filed a petition against Sam Larry, requesting protection of his life and property after he was attacked on the shoot of a music video alongside another artiste, Zlatan.
Sam Larry has since come under fire on social media after the video where he and some others were seen harassing the late singer, Mohbad surfaced on social media.
In the video, Mohbad and Zlatan were on set for a music video when Larry stormed the scene with some boys targeting Mohbad who scampered away in fear. Zlatan, however, tried to save the situation as he stood up to Larry and his allies to forestall any attack or bullying on Mohbad.
