On June 28, 2025, Nigerian entertainment promoter Sam Larry gave a sit-down interview to online commentator VeryDarkMan, addressing long-standing questions surrounding his relationship with the late artist Mohbad.
The interview came nearly two years after Mohbad’s passing on September 12, 2023, and several months after Sam Larry and singer Naira Marley were cleared by a Magistrate Court of any direct link to the artist’s death.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of Sam Larry’s comments, compares them with available public records, and offers contextual analysis of the ongoing conversation surrounding Mohbad’s death.
1. Claim: “I Never Touched Mohbad”
What Sam Larry Said:
Sam Larry stated clearly that he never physically assaulted Mohbad. He referred to the widely circulated nine-second beach video, saying it was a verbal confrontation over a financial matter, not an act of violence.
“There was no assault. I never touched Mohbad in my life.”
Context:
- The beach video shows Sam Larry appearing during Mohbad’s music video shoot, with a group of people.
- Mohbad’s body language suggested alarm, but no physical assault is visible in the clip.
- In June 2023, Mohbad filed a police petition alleging harassment and disruption by Sam Larry and unnamed individuals during that same shoot.
Observation:
Sam Larry’s account aligns with the absence of physical contact in the video. However, the situation’s intensity and Mohbad’s documented distress formed the basis of public concern.
2. Claim: ₦2 Million Dispute Over Birthday Show
What Sam Larry Said:
He explained that in January 2023, he paid Mohbad ₦2 million for a joint birthday performance. According to him, Mohbad did not attend the event, despite collecting the agreed sum.
“It was a birthday show matter. I just wanted him to show up. Nothing more.”
Context:
- Sam Larry and Mohbad were reportedly friends at some point and shared close birthdates (January 7 and January 4, respectively).
- There are no publicly available receipts, contracts, or voice notes to independently verify the ₦2 million transaction.
- Mohbad did not publicly dispute this claim before his death.
Observation:
The claim establishes a possible motive for the beach confrontation, as stated by Sam Larry. The absence of documents or third-party confirmation makes the incident largely reliant on personal accounts.
3. Claim: Zlatan Was Present at the Beach Incident
What Sam Larry Said:
Sam Larry stated that Zlatan Ibile, a fellow artist, witnessed the encounter at the beach and helped de-escalate it.
“Zlatan said if he talks, people will misunderstand him.”
Context:
- Zlatan has not issued a public statement regarding the incident as of June 2025.
- His presence in the video was not confirmed or denied by law enforcement during the 2023 investigation.
Observation:
If confirmed, Zlatan’s testimony could support either side. However, his silence so far leaves the claim uncorroborated in public records.
4. Claim: He Was Abroad During Mohbad’s Death
What Sam Larry Said:
He stated that he was in Dubai when Mohbad died and added that Naira Marley was in Amsterdam at the same time.
Context:
- Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, in Lagos.
- Sam Larry was arrested shortly afterward for questioning, but later released.
- No official immigration records or flight documents were released publicly by Sam Larry or Nigerian authorities to confirm his location on the date of Mohbad’s death.
Observation:
If validated, the travel claim may rule out physical presence during the incident. It does not, however, negate previous events that may have caused psychological or emotional distress.
5. Claim: “All Stations Settled” Video Was Misunderstood
What Sam Larry Said:
He addressed a resurfaced video where he is heard saying, “All stations settled. No question to answer.” According to him, this video was recorded in 2013 or 2014, long before his issues with Mohbad.
“That clip was from years ago. I wasn’t talking about Mohbad.”
Context:
- The video went viral following Mohbad’s death, and many interpreted it as a statement about law enforcement interference.
- No metadata or official timestamp has been provided to confirm the age of the video.
Observation:
The timeline and context of the original clip remain unverified. Sam Larry’s explanation reflects an effort to separate that footage from current events.
6. Claim: Regret and Respect for Mohbad
What Sam Larry Said:
He expressed sadness over Mohbad’s death and claimed to have supported his career in earlier stages.
“I carried his career on my head. I liked him. I still do.”
Context:
- Sam Larry has appeared in past social media clips promoting shows that featured Mohbad.
- However, the emergence of conflict between them in 2023 is well documented, including through Mohbad’s own police petition.
- No concrete evidence has been provided to show financial or managerial investment in Mohbad’s career trajectory.
Observation:
While past affiliations between the two are established, the extent and nature of Sam Larry’s professional involvement remain unclear.
Legal Context
- In February 2025, a Magistrate Court ruled there was no sufficient evidence linking Sam Larry or Naira Marley to Mohbad’s death.
- Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, filed a petition seeking a review of the investigation.
- The Lagos High Court is scheduled to hear the petition on July 2, 2025.
Observation:
The upcoming High Court decision will determine if the case is reopened. The outcome could allow for fresh evidence or reinvestigation, if warranted.
Independent Observations on the Interview
A. Timing and Platform
The interview comes just four days before the scheduled High Court hearing.
Sam Larry chose a popular but controversial activist, VeryDarkMan, whose audience is large but varied in opinion.
Neutral Note:
Public interviews by subjects of major controversies are common. The choice of platform may reflect a preference for informal tone or broader reach.
B. Documentation and Evidence
No documents were displayed or submitted during the interview to support financial, travel, or professional claims.
There has been no confirmation from third parties, including Zlatan, Mohbad’s management, or immigration authorities.
Neutral Note:
In the absence of documentation, viewers are left to assess credibility based on verbal testimony alone.
C. Public Reception
The interview generated widespread online debate.
Viewers expressed mixed opinions—some appreciated the opportunity for clarity; others questioned the timing.
Neutral Note:
Public response is not legally binding but may influence perception. The legal process remains the authoritative path to resolution.
FINAL THOUGHT
Sam Larry has spoken, but questions linger—not just about what happened, but about how artists navigate fear, power, and silence in an industry without safeguards.
Mohbad’s story was never just about death—it was about what leads to it, what follows it, and who is willing to speak when it matters most.
The truth may not rest in one interview, but in whether justice can still find its voice after the music fades.
Until then, the conversation continues—on social media, in court, and among those who continue to seek clarity in the aftermath of a loss that shook Nigeria’s entertainment scene.
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