During a virtual appearance on Friday at the ongoing coroner’s inquest into the death of late Afrobeat artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, controversial show promoter Sam Larry addressed allegations linking him to the events surrounding Mohbad’s death.
Sam Larry firmly denied any involvement in Mohbad’s death or any physical altercation with the artist, following widespread outrage stirred by a viral video that connected him to the harassment of the singer before his tragic passing.
“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 testified.
He explained that tension between them began after he invited Mohbad to perform at his birthday party in Dubai, offering N2 million as part of the deal. Sam Larry claimed he spent over N20 million organizing the event and covering travel expenses for Mohbad, his wife, and his manager. However, Mohbad’s failure to show up for the performance led to a rift.
“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 said.
Sam Larry then recalled an incident on June 25, 2023, during a video shoot at Elegushi Beach, where he confronted Mohbad. He insisted that he did not assault the artist and that the situation was peacefully resolved by fellow artist Zlatan, who later shared a meal with both men.
After the confrontation, Mohbad allegedly filed a petition accusing Sam Larry of bringing weapons to the beach and damaging his equipment. Sam Larry explained that he was summoned to the Alagbon Police Station for questioning. Despite multiple summons, Mohbad did not appear, leading Sam Larry 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 revealed, adding that he was in Dubai when he heard the news of Mohbad’s death and was deeply saddened.
Sam Larry also addressed a controversial video in which he was heard saying, “won ti gbe sin” (they have buried him). He clarified that the video was an old clip from 2013, originally shared on Snapchat, and had no connection to Mohbad.
Concluding his testimony, Sam Larry urged the court to question those who were with Mohbad in the 24 to 48 hours leading up to his death, stating, “They know what really happened to him.”
