Davido had no role in Naira Marley, VDM Mohbad saga — Aide

Davido. Photo credit: Web

Personal logistics manager to Afrobeats singer Davido, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, has denied claims that his principal was involved in the controversies surrounding singer Naira Marley and social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, following the death of late singer Mohbad.

Israel said Davido had no involvement in an alleged plot to have VeryDarkMan arrested over his campaign for justice for Mohbad.

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

He made the clarification in a statement shared on his Instagram account on Thursday, amid the fallout between Davido and VeryDarkMan over the activist’s allegations about the singer’s associates.

“Dearest Nigerians. Oga had no hands in Naira Marley’s ordeals during his trying times in Mohbad’s case or in any plot to see VDM being arrested. Those who were in that WhatsApp group, got there without his instructions or approval,” Israel wrote.

VeryDarkMan had alleged that his relationship with Davido broke down after he obtained WhatsApp conversations involving members of the singer’s circle and other entertainment personalities.

The activist claimed that discussions in the group centred on having him arrested because of his persistent questions about Mohbad’s death and his involvement in the #JusticeForMohbad campaign.

He said he was surprised by the alleged discussions, particularly because he had maintained friendly relationships with some of those involved and Davido.

VeryDarkMan also claimed that he repeatedly attempted to contact Davido to find out whether the singer knew about the discussions but received no response.

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

He also dismissed claims that Davido attempted to acquire Mohbad’s music catalogue or sign Marlian Music artiste Zinoleesky.

“Oga called for Mohbad’s catalogue or even made attempt to sign Zino? How na? Those who told VDM that fully lied,” he said.

On the controversy surrounding Naira Marley after Mohbad’s death, Israel said Davido resisted pressure from people who wanted him to unfollow the singer on Instagram.

According to him, Davido insisted that the police should be allowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death rather than acting on unverified allegations.

“Serious pressure even came for Oga then to unfollow Naira on Instagram, and he said it categorically, no, that he wants the police to do their job, that he doesn’t want to believe in any hearsay,” Israel added.

He further maintained that Davido and Naira Marley remained on good terms, noting that both artistes had collaborated on a song.

“Naira and Oga are cool. They even made a hit song,” he said.

Israel also addressed an alleged altercation at Naira Marley’s residence.

He said it involved a disagreement between a former member of Davido’s 30BG crew, identified as Tolu, and one of Naira Marley’s associates.

He denied claims that anyone was beaten or attacked during the incident.

“On the issue that happened in Naira’s house, it was our then Tolu 30BG who had issues with one of Naira’s boys. Nobody was beaten or attacked,” he said.

Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, died on September 12, 2023, aged 27, triggering widespread public outrage and the #JusticeForMohbad campaign.

The singer, who was formerly signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Music, had previously raised allegations of intimidation, assault and disputes involving individuals associated with the label.

His death prompted police investigations, the exhumation of his body for an autopsy and a coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding it.

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

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

VeryDarkMan was among the prominent voices in the campaign demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.