Sam Larry constantly in shadow of Mohbad's death

• Published On: 29 June 2024 at 16:46

Since the controversial death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, on September 12, 2023, the life of event promoter Samson Balogun, aka Sam Larry, has changed dramatically.

During their investigation into the singer's death, the police indicated that Sam Larry and Mohbad's former record label president, Naira Marley, were persons of interest in the case.

The couple was then arrested and held at the Lagos State Police Command's Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti, Yaba.

Adeola Olatunbosun, a Chief Magistrate, granted the police's appeal to hold Larry and Marley in custody for 21 days to facilitate their investigation.

They were eventually released on bail in November, but the incident still haunts both parties. Larry's social media posts are sometimes met with curses from admirers of the late Mohbad.

He was injured in an accident a few weeks ago in Lagos' Ibeju Lekki neighborhood, but instead of sympathizing with him, several netizens cursed him.

One Rosythrone stated, "I am confident that my God will complete it soon. He is not a God of half-jobs."


ajeps02 wrote, "Alhaji Sheikh Samsudeen Al-murderer." "I wish you a slow recovery."

Larry received unpleasant comments even when in Mecca for the hajj trip. One tonia.gram_ said, "Sam Larry believes Nigerians have forgiven him. By the way, nice outfit; assist us insert cotton wool into your nostrils."

She wrote: "This guy should just stay off social media, because I don't think the hate will ever stop."

Aside from being continually attacked online, Larry has also had false information published about him online. One such narrative was his purported death in February 2024. A posting on Facebook said, "Breaking News: Sam Larry (Mohbad's alleged killer) and family died in a motor accident."

Larry later turned to Instagram to refute the news. His statement said, in part, "I, Sam Larry, wish to use this platform to debunk the false information flowing online concerning my role in an accident. My family and I are totally fine. We spent the day together, went out to supper, and returned home safely.

"While some may strive to ruin my reputation, I leave them to God's judgment. I appreciate my friends' and family's concerns, but rest assured that I am doing fine and nothing unusual has happened. May those who disseminate falsehoods face the consequences of their deeds. Thank you, and may God bless your home.

Meanwhile, Mohbad's mother claimed that Sam Larry and Naira Marley's conduct had caused her son distress. She had stated, "Mohbad did not know serenity during his life. He was constantly switching from one issue to another in the hands of Naira Marley and Sam Larry."