By Ayodele Johnson

If there is to be an answer that uncovers all the circumstances linked to the death of Afrobeats singer Ilerioluwa Aloba known by music fans as Mohbad, a former associate who closely operated in his circle, Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, otherwise known as Sam Larry, has to have been giving it.

What so far was looking like a barren week with regards to a police investigation into Mohbad’s demise remarkably brought in the goods at the last minutes when Eletu was arrested. Since Mohbad’s passing, the name Sam Larry had stayed glued to the lips of the public who took an interest, calling for him to be apprehended. 

Finally, that has happened. The Lagos State Police Command via its X (previously Twitter) profile confirmed that Sam Larry has been seized. While in detention, he is to help out with clearing out the gray areas.

“Balogun Olamilekan Eletu aka Sam Larry is now in our custody,” reads the bombshell that has sent tongues wagging enthusiastically. 

Balogun Olamilekan Eletu aka Sam Larry is now in our custody. He is currently assisting with ongoing investigation. #justice4Mohbad #justiceforMohbad

— Lagos State Police Command (@LagosPoliceNG) September 28, 2023

Clearing the gray areas by Sam Larry will be to explain the allegations surrounding his dealings with the deceased. One of the rumours had been that he was among Naira Marley’s minions whose reign of terror made life a living hell for Mohbad after leaving Marlian Music World in September 2022. 

Naira Marley particularly, after up to two weeks of holding out, made a speech late Tuesday through his Instagram.

In the post was some sort of defence, an announcement that he would be visiting Nigeria soon and picturing himself as the victim of malicious hirelings who are out to get him. His belief, however, is he will surely overcome his current trials just like his contemporaries who have found themselves in messy situations. 

ALSO READ: Culprit behind Mohbad’s death wants to get Naira Marley too

But nothing compares to this in the history of the music industry. No time has the scene lost one of its own and another gets the blame for it.

Also, never has there been a time when so much controversy has surrounded a record label executive for his alleged role in bringing down a signee he helped build. For the moment, the attention is on Sam Larry, no doubt the most prized piece displaying on the board. 

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.