Controversial show promoter Sam Larry has addressed the ongoing coroner’s inquest into the death of late Afrobeat singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. During a virtual appearance, Sam Larry firmly denied any role in Mohbad’s death or any involvement in harassing the artist prior to his untimely passing.
This statement came after a viral video surfaced, sparking public outcry and linking Sam Larry to alleged harassment and mistreatment of Mohbad before his death.
“I am a show promoter. The only relationship I had with Mohbad was to give him shows. I never harassed or molested him. I have never beaten him before,” Sam Larry told the court.
He explained that tension between the two began when he invited Mohbad to perform at his birthday party in Dubai, offering the singer N2 million as part of the arrangement. Sam Larry claimed to have spent over N20 million organizing the event and covering travel expenses for Mohbad, his wife, and manager. However, Mohbad did not attend the event, which caused a rift between them.
“I sent him a message on Instagram to refund my money but he didn’t reply. I went to report him to my lawyer, and my lawyer called him but he didn’t pick,” Sam Larry explained.
Sam Larry also recounted an incident that occurred on June 25, 2023, during a video shoot at Elegushi Beach. He described a confrontation with Mohbad but insisted that he never attacked the artist. Fellow artist Zlatan reportedly intervened, and the matter was later resolved peacefully with the three of them sharing a meal together.
In response to accusations from Mohbad, who allegedly filed a petition against him for bringing weapons to the beach and damaging his equipment, Sam Larry revealed that he was detained at Alagbon police station during an investigation. Despite being summoned multiple times, Sam Larry stated that Mohbad failed to appear, leading him to file a counter-petition.
“Till he died, he didn’t pay my N2 million. He died three months after we met at Elegushi,” Sam Larry stated, expressing sadness upon hearing about Mohbad’s passing while he was in Dubai.
Regarding the controversial video in which he was heard saying “won ti gbe sin” (they have buried him), Sam Larry clarified that it was an old video from 2013, originally shared on Snapchat, and had no connection to Mohbad’s death.
Sam Larry concluded his testimony by urging the court to focus on those who were with Mohbad in the 24 to 48 hours before his death, claiming they are the ones who truly know what happened.
