14th September, 2023
By Victoria Oluwayemi
A petition written by the late Nigerian artiste MohBad has surfaced online, shedding light on an incident involving an alleged threat to his life and property destruction by music promoter Samson Erinfolami Balogun, also known as Sam Larry, and a group of associates.
The petition alleges that Sam Larry, accompanied by 15 others, forcibly entered a video shoot location where MohBad and fellow artist Zlatan Ibile were working.
These individuals were reportedly armed and made threats, eventually leading to a violent altercation. The incident resulted in the destruction of equipment valued at over N5 million and left MohBad injured.
According to the petition, Sam Larry claimed to be acting on behalf of Oba Elegushi of Lagos State, further complicated the situation. MohBad, a signee of Marlian Records, owned by the renowned singer Naira Marley, tragically passed away on September 12.
Dated June 27, 2023, the petition reads:
“PETITION OF THREAT TO LIFE, MALICIOUS DAMAGE OF PROPERTIES VALUED AT THE SUM OF FIVE MILLION NAIRA, ASSAULT OCCASIONING HARM, OPPRESSION, AND CONDUCT LIKELY TO CAUSE BREACH OF PEACE AGAINST SAM LARRY ELEGUSHI, ELELE, OBELE, AND OTHERS. I, of the above name and address, a law-abiding citizen and musician, bring to your notice the assault and threat to my life by the above-mentioned persons.
“On June 25, 2023, while having a video shoot with another artist named Zlatan Ibile, the above-mentioned persons numbering about fifteen, led by Sam Larry Elegushi, invaded the premises with dangerous arms such as guns, cutlasses, etc., where I was shooting a video. They disrupted the entire process, damaged equipment I was using for the shooting valued at about five million Naira, and began threatening my life. During the process, they became violent and assaulted me, resulting in injuries. I narrowly escaped.
“Total amount I paid for the destroyed shooting is eight million Naira (N8,000,000), which is non-refundable. However, during the assault, they boasted that they work for Oba Elegushi and that they have been instructed to deal with me for reasons known to them, which they continue to threaten to kill me if seen. Sir, I call on your good office to save my life from the above-mentioned persons and bring them to book.
“Thank you for your timely intervention.”