Personal logistics manager to Afrobeats singer Davido, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, has denied claims that the singer was involved in the controversies surrounding the late Mohbad, Naira Marley and social media activist, VeryDarkMan.
Israel said Davido had no role in any alleged plan to arrest VeryDarkMan over his campaign for justice for Mohbad, insisting that members of the singer’s entourage who participated in a WhatsApp group linked to the controversy acted without his principal’s knowledge or consent.
He made the clarification in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Thursday, following the reported breakdown of relations between Davido and VeryDarkMan over allegations involving 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 deteriorated after he obtained WhatsApp chats involving members of the singer’s circle and other entertainment personalities.
According to the activist, the conversations contained discussions about plans to have him arrested over his persistent demands for justice for Mohbad.
The activist said the alleged discussions caught him off guard, particularly because he had maintained cordial relationships with some of the individuals involved, including Davido.
He also claimed that several attempts to reach the singer for clarification were unsuccessful.
Reacting to the allegations, Israel questioned why Davido would become involved in the dispute between VeryDarkMan and music producer Samklef.
He also dismissed claims that the singer sought 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.
Israel further disclosed that Davido faced pressure to unfollow Naira Marley on Instagram following the controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death.
However, he said the singer maintained that the police should be allowed to investigate the matter instead of relying on unverified claims.
“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 maintained that Davido and Naira Marley remained on friendly terms, noting that the duo had previously collaborated on a hit song.
“Naira and Oga are cool. They even made a hit song,” he said.
Addressing reports of an altercation at Naira Marley’s residence, Israel said the incident involved a disagreement between Tolu, a former member of Davido’s 30BG crew, and one of Naira Marley’s associates. He denied claims that anyone was physically assaulted during the encounter.
“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, at the age of 27, sparking widespread 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 linked to the record label.
His death triggered police investigations, the exhumation of his remains for an autopsy and a coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
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 subsequently recommended the prosecution of the nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, over alleged unlawful medical practice and negligence.
VeryDarkMan was among the prominent figures who spearheaded the public campaign demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
