Davido Not Involved In Mohbad Saga, Aide Says

Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, the personal logistics manager of Afrobeats singer Davido, has dismissed claims linking the singer to the controversies involving Naira Marley and social media activist VeryDarkMan following the death of late singer Mohbad.

Israel maintained that Davido had no role in any alleged plan to have VeryDarkMan arrested over his campaign for justice for Mohbad.

He explained that some members of Davido’s crew who participated in a WhatsApp group connected to the controversy did so without the singer’s knowledge or approval.

Israel made the clarification in a statement shared on his Instagram account on Thursday amid the growing disagreement between Davido and VeryDarkMan.

The activist had earlier revealed that his relationship with Davido became strained after he obtained WhatsApp conversations allegedly involving members of the singer’s circle and other entertainment personalities.

According to VeryDarkMan, the discussions in the group included plans to get him arrested because of his continued demands for justice for Mohbad and questions surrounding the circumstances of the singer’s death.

He said the development came as a surprise to him, considering his previous relationship with Davido and some of the people allegedly involved in the conversations.

VeryDarkMan also claimed that he made several attempts to reach Davido to find out whether the singer knew about the discussions but did not receive any response.

Reacting to the allegations, Israel questioned why Davido would involve himself in the disagreement between VeryDarkMan and music producer Samklef.

He also denied claims that the singer attempted to purchase Mohbad’s music catalogue or make arrangements to sign Marlian Music artiste Zinoleesky.

Israel described the allegations as false, insisting that Davido had no interest in taking over Mohbad’s musical works or recruiting Zinoleesky.

He further addressed the controversy surrounding Naira Marley after Mohbad’s death, saying Davido faced pressure from some people who wanted him to unfollow the Marlian Music boss on Instagram.

According to Israel, Davido refused to act based on public claims and preferred that the police conduct their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

He added that Davido did not want to make decisions based on unverified information while investigations were ongoing.

Israel also maintained that Davido and Naira Marley had no personal issues, noting that the two musicians had previously worked together on a song.

Speaking on an alleged incident at Naira Marley’s residence, Israel explained that the disagreement involved a former member of Davido’s 30BG crew identified as Tolu and one of Naira Marley’s associates.

He denied reports that anyone was assaulted or beaten during the encounter, describing it as a disagreement between the individuals involved.

Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His death sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, with many people demanding answers through the #JusticeForMohbad campaign.

The late singer was formerly signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Music but had reportedly experienced disagreements and allegations of intimidation and assault involving people associated with the record label before his death.

Following public pressure, the police launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death. His body was also exhumed for an autopsy, while a coroner’s inquest was established to examine the matter.

In July 2025, the coroner’s court ruled out homicide and deliberate foul play, pointing to a possible fatal reaction to substances administered by an unlicensed nurse as a likely explanation for the singer’s death.

The court subsequently recommended the prosecution of the nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, over alleged unlawful medical practice and negligence.

VeryDarkMan was among the prominent figures who consistently demanded justice for Mohbad and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.