In a virtual appearance on Friday at the ongoing coroner’s inquest into the death of late Afrobeat artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, controversial show promoter Sam Larry has addressed his involvement in the events surrounding Mohbad’s death.
In response to the allegations against him, Sam Larry strongly denied any involvement in Mohbad’s death or ever assaulting the late artist.
His response follows the spread of a viral video that fueled public outrage and associated him with the harassment of the singer before his tragic death.
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“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 the issues between them started when he invited Mohbad to perform at his birthday party in Dubai, offering the singer N2 million as part of the deal. Sam Larry claimed he spent over N20 million to organise the event and cover travel expenses for Mohbad, his wife, and his manager. However, when Mohbad failed to show up for the performance, it caused tension 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,” he added.
Sam Larry recalled an incident on June 25, 2023, during a video shoot at Elegushi Beach, where he confronted Mohbad. He asserted that he did not assault Mohbad, and that the situation was peacefully settled by fellow artist Zlatan, who stepped in and later shared a meal with them.
After the incident, Mohbad reportedly filed a petition accusing Sam Larry of bringing weapons to the beach and damaging his equipment. Sam Larry explained that he was invited to the Alagbon Police Station and detained for questioning. He also noted that despite being summoned several times, Mohbad did not show up, which led 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 said, revealing that he was in Dubai when he heard of the singer’s death and was deeply saddened by the news.
Regarding the controversial video in which he was heard saying “won ti gbe sin” (they have buried him), Sam Larry claimed it was an old video from 2013, initially shared on Snapchat, and had no connection to Mohbad.
He wrapped up his testimony by urging the court to interrogate those who were with Mohbad in the 24 to 48 hours before his death, stating, “They know what really happened to him.”
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