Mohbad: House Of Reps Intervene, Summons Naira Marley, Others Over Copyrights Issues

Members House of Representatives, Nigeria, has summoned singer, Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, following increased concerns over the works of deceased singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, an ex-signee of his Marlian record label.

The letter of summons routed through the President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), also invited late Mohbad’s manager and legal team. 

Report has it that the summons made by the Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance, dated October 26, and signed by the Committee’s Clerk, Yusuf Ibrahim, sought to provide insight into the situation and guide the committee on potential legislative action.

It will be recalled that singer, Mohbad, died September 12, under suspicious circumstances. Investigations after his death indicted the late singer filed police reports against Naira Marley and his friend, Sam Larry claiming threat to his life and property, post his pullout from the record label. 

The House of Reps decision to intervene in the matter was prompted by a motion led by a Lagos Representative, Babajimi Benson, which urged for a review of the laws pertaining to the entertainment industry and copyright, with great concerns about the contracts and agreements that artistes are often compelled to sign.

During the debate on the matter at the plenary, the lawmakers expressed their commitment to ensuring that proper compensation and royalties for Mohbad’s musical works.

They also pledged to monitor the ongoing investigation into his death and the royalties accruing to him.