Naira Marley under fire:what really happened between him and mohbad

Naira Marley — born Azeez Adeshina Fashola on May 10, 1991 — has long been one of Nigeria’s most polarising musicians. Known for his street-pop sound, carefree lifestyle, and the fanbase he calls the “Marlians,” the artist has built a reputation that blurs the line between rebellion and influence.

However, behind his fame lies a series of controversies — from legal battles to the tragic fallout surrounding the death of fellow artist MohBad.

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🎶 Rise to Fame

Naira Marley gained public attention in 2017 with his breakout hit “Issa Goal,” featuring Olamide and Lil Kesh. The track became an anthem during Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign and established him as a household name.

By 2019, his distinct fusion of Afrobeats and street-pop evolved into a movement. Songs such as “Soapy,” “Tesumole,” “Mafo,” and “Am I a Yahoo Boy” cemented his identity as the unapologetic voice of Nigeria’s youth.

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⚖️ Legal Troubles and Public Scrutiny

In 2019, Naira Marley was arrested by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of cyber-fraud. Though he was later released on bail and has consistently denied wrongdoing, the case became one of the most publicised celebrity investigations of the year.

Rather than slow him down, the controversy seemed to boost his popularity. His fan base, mostly young Nigerians, admired his defiance and turned “Marlians” into a cultural identity symbolising freedom and non-conformity.

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💔 The MohBad Connection

In September 2023, tragedy struck when Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as MohBad, a former signee of Naira Marley’s Marlian Music label, died unexpectedly at the age of 27.

Following MohBad’s death, old videos resurfaced showing him alleging harassment and assault after leaving the label. The incident triggered a nationwide outcry and the viral hashtag #JusticeForMohBad.

Under pressure, police authorities detained Naira Marley and his associate Sam Larry for questioning. Both men publicly denied involvement in MohBad’s death, describing their arrests as part of routine investigation.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that investigations were ongoing, but as of now, no formal charges have been brought against Naira Marley.

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🧩 Public Reaction

The controversy reignited debates about artist welfare, record-label power, and accountability in the Nigerian music industry. While some fans continued to defend the singer, others called for boycotts of Marlian Music and its affiliates.

Naira Marley maintained his innocence, saying he was “deeply saddened” by MohBad’s death and committed to clearing his name.

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🎧 Where He Stands Now

Despite the negative press, Naira Marley remains a recognised figure in Afrobeats. His influence on Nigeria’s street-pop scene is undeniable, even as public opinion about him remains divided.

As investigations continue, both supporters and critics agree on one thing: Naira Marley’s story reflects the complexity of fame, loyalty, and responsibility in Nigeria’s fast-growing entertainment industry.