Afrobeats star Davido has been defended by his personal logistics manager, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, following renewed allegations linking members of the singer’s circle to events surrounding social media activist VeryDarkMan and the late singer Mohbad.
In a statement shared on social media, Israel insisted that Davido had no role in any alleged plan to have VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse, arrested over his campaign for justice for Mohbad.
“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,” Israel wrote, adding that individuals who participated in a WhatsApp group allegedly connected to the controversy did so without Davido’s instruction or approval.
His response followed VeryDarkMan’s account of the breakdown of his relationship with Davido and some members of the singer’s circle. The activist had alleged that conversations in a WhatsApp group involving people associated with the entertainment star suggested discussions about having him arrested.
VeryDarkMan reportedly said he was disappointed by what he found in the conversations, particularly because of his previous relationship with Davido and his public campaign seeking answers over Mohbad’s death.
Israel also dismissed claims that Davido sought to acquire Mohbad’s music catalogue or attempted to sign Zinoleesky, an artiste formerly associated with Naira Marley’s Marlian Music.
He questioned why the singer would pursue such moves, describing the claims as false.
Addressing Davido’s relationship with Naira Marley after Mohbad’s death, Israel said his principal resisted pressure to unfollow the singer on Instagram, insisting that law enforcement agencies should be allowed to investigate rather than having people act on unverified allegations.
“Naira and Oga are cool. They even made a hit song,” he added.
Israel also offered an account of an alleged disagreement at Naira Marley’s residence, saying it involved a former member of Davido’s 30BG crew, identified as Tolu, and one of Naira Marley’s associates. He denied that anyone was beaten or physically attacked.
Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His death triggered widespread outrage and the #JusticeForMohbad campaign, with VeryDarkMan among the prominent voices demanding answers.
The renewed dispute has brought back public attention to the relationships and disagreements among some of the personalities associated with the campaign.
However, the claims and counterclaims surrounding the alleged WhatsApp discussions remain disputed. Israel’s statement represents Davido’s aide’s account, while the activist’s allegations have not been independently established by the information currently available.
