I never touched Mohbad-Sam Larry speaks

Controversial Nigerian show promoter, Sam Larry, has denied any involvement in the death of late Afrobeat star, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, during a virtual appearance before the coroner’s inquest currently investigating the singer’s demise.

Speaking at the inquest, Sam Larry stated that contrary to widespread speculation, he never harassed, assaulted, or had any physical altercation with Mohbad.

“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,” he told the court.

The allegations against Sam Larry gained traction after a viral video surfaced online showing a confrontation between him and the late singer, sparking outrage and linking him to the singer’s alleged harassment before his untimely death.

Narrating the genesis of their fallout, Sam Larry claimed the misunderstanding began after he booked Mohbad to perform at his birthday event in Dubai and paid the artiste N2 million. He said he went as far as funding the travel arrangements for Mohbad, his wife, and his manager, spending over N20 million in total. However, the singer failed to honour the performance.

“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 up,” he added.

He recounted another incident on June 25, 2023, during a music video shoot at Elegushi Beach, where he confronted Mohbad about the failed Dubai appearance. According to him, the situation was diffused by fellow singer Zlatan, who not only intervened but joined them for a meal afterwards.

Following that encounter, Mohbad reportedly filed a police petition accusing Sam Larry of storming the beach with armed men and damaging his equipment. Sam Larry said he honoured the police invitation at Alagbon and was detained briefly. He also claimed Mohbad ignored multiple invitations to address the issue and instead, he (Larry) filed a counter-petition.

“Till he died, he didn’t pay my N2 million. He died three months after we met at Elegushi,” he said, adding that he was in Dubai when he heard of Mohbad’s passing and was deeply saddened by the news.

Responding to the controversial video in which he was heard saying “won ti gbe sin” (they’ve buried him), Sam Larry claimed the video was taken out of context and dated as far back as 2013, originally posted on Snapchat, and had nothing to do with Mohbad.

He concluded his testimony by urging the court to focus on those who were with Mohbad within the last 24 to 48 hours before his death, insisting they hold the answers.

“They know what really happened to him,” Sam Larry said.