Two years after Mohbad’s death, Iyabo Ojo and activist VeryDarkMan clash over leaked chats, stalled investigations, and the fight for justice.
On September 12, 2023, the Nigerian music industry was rocked by the sudden death of 27-year-old singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. His passing triggered national outrage, not only because of his youth and rising fame, but due to lingering suspicions of foul play.
Videos and messages had circulated prior to his death, showing Mohbad crying out for help. He spoke about harassment, threats, and assaults allegedly tied to his former record label, Marlian Music, owned by controversial artist Naira Marley. Mohbad had parted ways with the label in 2022 amid a bitter fallout.
Public Outcry and Celebrity Activism
Following Mohbad’s death, #JusticeForMohbad trended for weeks across social media platforms. Thousands of young Nigerians took to the streets in peaceful protests, demanding answers. Several celebrities, including Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and Samklef, aligned themselves with the cause.
Iyabo Ojo quickly became a vocal supporter, attending vigils and making public calls for justice. She often used her platform to amplify Mohbad’s story and reportedly lobbied for a deeper investigation into his death.
Government Action and Autopsy Controversies
In response to the uproar, the Lagos State Government ordered the exhumation of Mohbad’s body for autopsy in late September 2023. While the results were expected to clarify the cause of death, delays, conflicting reports, and allegations of mishandling eroded public trust.
By early 2024, official updates had slowed down significantly, leading many Nigerians to believe that the case was being quietly buried.
VeryDarkMan Emerges as a Voice of Accountability
Amid growing public fatigue, activist and social commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) surged in influence by refusing to let the Mohbad case die. Known for his blunt, no-holds-barred style, VDM posted regular updates, critiques of the police process, and called out celebrities whom he felt were clout-chasing or failing to speak truthfully.
By 2024, he had built a sizable following and became one of the most persistent voices demanding justice, often clashing with powerful figures in entertainment.
The Fallout: VDM vs. Iyabo Ojo (2025)
In July 2025, VDM made explosive claims in a viral video:
- He accused Iyabo Ojo, Samklef, Tonto Dikeh, and others of participating in a secret WhatsApp group aimed at managing public perception of the Mohbad case.
- He claimed that during a private meeting involving Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and a police officer, Iyabo apologized rather than advocate for Mohbad.
- He implied that Iyabo and others were compromised, potentially obstructing justice rather than seeking it.
Iyabo Ojo Responds
Iyabo Ojo went live on Instagram to address the accusations directly. Key points from her response include:
- She confirmed the private meeting did happen but denied apologizing or betraying the cause.
- She acknowledged the existence of a WhatsApp group but said she left after suspecting the direction it was taking.
- She described VDM’s behavior as manipulative, warning that leaking private chats is a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
- She revealed that her son’s drink was allegedly spiked during a visit to Naira Marley’s house, a claim that sparked renewed anger.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
Public sentiment is sharply split:
- Some believe VDM is exposing the truth, especially since the case has stalled. They argue that celebrity involvement from the beginning may have compromised genuine progress.
- Others view Iyabo Ojo’s advocacy as sincere, accusing VDM of chasing clout and weaponizing partial information.
Observers like OAP Mario and DeeOne have publicly supported Iyabo, describing her as a “bigger” and more consistent voice than VDM.
What’s at Stake?
This feud is about more than two public figures. It reflects deeper questions:
- Was justice for Mohbad ever truly pursued?
- Were key players in the public movement motivated by truth or influence?
- How can Nigerians trust investigations when information is fragmented and politicized?
What’s Next?
VDM has hinted at releasing chat leaks, a move that could attract legal consequences. Iyabo Ojo has called for proper investigations into the group’s activities and has stated that if authorities request the chat records from group members, she will comply.
Meanwhile, the justice for Mohbad campaign remains unresolved, his autopsy results are still not public, and no one has been charged.
Conclusion
Two years after Mohbad’s death, what began as a united front for justice has unraveled into accusations, counter-accusations, and credibility wars. At the heart of the chaos lies a haunting truth: a young man cried for help, died mysteriously, and those who promised to fight for him are now fighting each other.
Until real answers emerge, the battle for justice continues, louder, messier, and more personal than ever.
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