Nigerian musician Mohbad is dead

Mohbad, a Nigerian Afrobeats singer, died on Tuesday, according to his associate and musician Olamide.

Mohbad, who goes by the stage name Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba and is barely 27 years old, rose to popularity as part of Naira Marley's "Marlian Records" label. His songs and distinct approach rapidly won him a devoted fanbase. At the time of writing, the cause and circumstances surrounding his death were not fully understood.

Among his chart-topping singles are "Ponmo," "Feel Good," and the stunning "KPK (Ko Por Ke)," which he co-wrote with Rexxie. This song garnered him three nominations for The Headies Awards in 2022, demonstrating his unquestionable brilliance.

However, Mohbad took a crucial choice just two years ago, breaking ties with Marlian Records in 2022. This decision followed a public spat between Mohbad and his previous label boss, Naira Marley. Naira Marley was accused of domestic violence by the young artist, who said he was physically assaulted on the behest of his former mentor. Mohbad's decision to find a separate management to oversee his music and business operations sparked this ugly split.

Legal issues also hampered the young artist's journey. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) captured Mohbad, along with fellow musician Zinoleesky and four others, in February 2022. The arrest was made when hard narcotics, including MDMA and cannabis, were discovered in their home in Lagos' upmarket Lekki neighborhood.

The arrest itself sparked outrage, with viral footage on social media showing NDLEA agents forcibly invading the musicians' residence in the early hours of a Thursday morning. Witnesses reported that the arrest took place without search warrants and that the Marlian singers were mistreated throughout the operation.

Images of NDLEA cops wielding clubs and firing warning shots into the air as they herded artists into waiting vehicles circulated widely.