Two Afrobeat stars, who were detained for several weeks in connection with the death of singer MohBad, have been released on bail by the Nigerian police, as confirmed by a police spokesperson on Saturday.
Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known by his stage name MohBad and acclaimed for tracks like “Feel Good,” passed away at the age of 27 in a hospital on September 12.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain largely unexplained.
Speculation about the cause has flooded social media platforms.
In October, the police summoned Afrobeat artists Naira Marley (Azeez Fashola) and Balogun Samson (known as Sam Larry) as part of the investigation into MohBad’s passing.
Subsequently, the duo was held in custody, but the police announced their release on Friday.
“They were released yesterday around 5:00 pm (1600 GMT) after fulfilling all the conditions for parole set out by the court,” Lagos state police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin told AFP by telephone.
According to media reports, a court set a bail bond of 20 million nairas (equivalent to 22,000 euros) for the release of the individuals.
Reports indicated that the court mandated the individuals to surrender their passports and commit to weekly appearances at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Five people in all have been arrested over the death.
In early October, law enforcement detained an unregistered nurse, alleging that she administered medications to the rap star in a manner deemed “professionally negligent.”
Lagos police commissioner Idowu Owohunwa stated that Feyisayo Ogedengbe had been summoned by one of MohBad’s friends to provide medical treatment at his residence, as he announced the arrest.
Police reported that MohBad received three injections, including antibiotics, which subsequently led to vomiting and convulsions.
MohBad’s career soared in 2019 when he was signed by Marley’s record label, Marlian Music. However, disagreements with the owner led MohBad to depart from the label in 2022.
Amid widespread social media speculation, Marley conveyed on X, the former Twitter platform, that he had returned to Lagos to “assist the authorities with the ongoing investigation” expressing optimism for the truth to be revealed and justice to prevail.