The Nigeria police say they now have Sam Larry, the music promoter, in their custody — amid an investigation into the death of Mohbad.
The law enforcement agency broke the news in a short statement on Thursday night.
“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, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, 27, passed away on September 12. He was laid to rest the following day.
Shortly after his death, an old video surfaced on social media showing the late singer being chased away from a music video shoot with Zlatan, the rapper.
In the footage, Sam Larry and some men visited the scene of the shoot and demanded that Mohbad be sent out.
It took the intervention of Zlatan to ensure Mohbad was not hit with what appeared to be a stick from Larry.
The late singer thereafter filed a petition against Larry, alleging a threat to his life and damage to property.
In the petition, dated June 27, 2023, Mohbad alleged that about fifteen persons “led by Sam Larry Elegushi invaded the premises with dangerous arms such as guns and cutlasses”.
Addressing rumours that he had a hand in Mohbad’s death, Larry said he “loves Mohbad so much” and “I cannot kill him.”
Mohbad is my brother and I liked him so much. Even when he was signed to Marlian Records, he knew that I had love for him,” he had said.
Thousands of Nigerians have demanded justice for Mohbad in nationwide protests.
On September 18, the Lagos police inaugurated a 13-man special investigation team to probe 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.”
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, also engaged the Department of State Services (DSS) in the ongoing investigation.
On September 21, the police exhumed Mohbad’s corpse for autopsy and are awaiting the results.
