The music promoter, Sam Larry, is now in the custody of Nigerian police, who are investigating Mohbad’s death.
On Thursday night, the police department issued a brief statement announcing the news.
“Balogun Olamilekan Eletu aka Sam Larry is now in our custody. He is currently assisting with ongoing investigation,” the statement reads.
Update From Lagos State Police Command:
Balogun Olamilekan Eletu aka Sam Larry is now in our custody. He is currently assisting with ongoing investigation. #justice4Mohbad #justiceforMohbad
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) September 28, 2023
Sam Larry is a person of interest in the death of Mohbad, the fast-rising singer.
Mohbad, 27, was born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba and died on September 12. He was laid to rest the next day.
An old footage of the late singer being chased away from a music video shoot with Zlatan, the rapper, surfaced on social media shortly after his death.
In the video, Sam Larry and a group of guys arrive at the location of the shot and demand that Mohbad be dispatched.
It required Zlatan’s intervention to keep Larry from hitting Mohbad with what appeared to be a stick.
Following that, the late singer filed a petition against Larry, alleging a threat to his life and property damage.
Mohbad said in the petition, dated June 27, 2023, that roughly fifteen people “led by Sam Larry Elegushi invaded the premises with dangerous weapons such as guns and cutlasses.”
In response to rumors that he was involved in Mohbad’s death, Larry stated that he “loves Mohbad so much” and that “I cannot kill him.”
“Mohbad is my brother, and I adored him.” “He knew I loved him even when he was signed to Marlian Records,” he had remarked.
In nationwide rallies, thousands of Nigerians demanded justice for Mohbad.
On September 18, the Lagos Police Department established a 13-man special investigative squad to look into the singer’s death.
Idowu Owohunwa, the state commissioner of police, vowed that the command will use all its powers to fish out everyone indicted in the case.
“Do not forget, we have unique access with INTERPOL,” he had said.
“Everybody linked to the death of Mohbad will be identified and they will be brought to establish their level of involvement.”
The governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has also involved the Department of State Services (DSS) in the continuing inquiry.
The authorities exhumed Mohbad’s body for an autopsy on September 21 and are awaiting the results.
