Personal logistics manager to Afrobeats star Davido, Israel Afeare, known as Israel DMW, has denied claims that his boss was involved in the issues surrounding singer Naira Marley and activist Martins Vincent Otse, also called VeryDarkMan, after the death of late singer Mohbad.
Israel stated that Davido had no part in any alleged plan to arrest VeryDarkMan over his fight for justice for Mohbad.
He explained that some members of Davido’s team who were part of a WhatsApp group related to the issue did this without Davido's knowledge or approval.
He made this clear in a statement on his Instagram page on Thursday, amid the tension between Davido and VeryDarkMan over the activist's claims about Davido's associates.
“Dearest Nigerians. Oga had no hands in Naira Marley’s troubles during his difficult times in Mohbad’s case or any plan to see VDM arrested. Those in that WhatsApp group got there without his instructions or approval,” Israel wrote.
VeryDarkMan claimed that his relationship with Davido went sour after he got hold of WhatsApp chats involving Davido’s circle and other entertainers.
The activist said the talks in the group were about arresting him because of his constant questions about Mohbad’s death and his role in the #JusticeForMohbad campaign.
He expressed shock over the alleged conversations, especially since he had friendly ties with some of those involved and Davido.
VeryDarkMan mentioned that he tried to reach out to Davido to ask if he was aware of the discussions but got no reply.
In response to these claims, Israel asked why Davido would get involved in the dispute between VeryDarkMan and music producer Samklef.
He dismissed claims that Davido tried to take over Mohbad’s music catalogue or sign Marlian Music artist Zinoleesky.
“Oga called for Mohbad’s catalogue or tried to sign Zino? How na? Those who told VDM that fully lied,” he said.
On Naira Marley’s controversy after Mohbad’s death, Israel shared that Davido faced pressure to unfollow Marley on Instagram.
He said Davido insisted that the police should handle the investigation into Mohbad’s death instead of reacting to unverified claims.
“Serious pressure even came for Oga then to unfollow Naira on Instagram, and he said it clearly, no, that he wants the police to do their job, that he doesn’t want to believe any hearsay,” Israel added.
He further stated that Davido and Naira Marley are still on good terms, noting that both artists have worked together on a song.
“Naira and Oga are cool. They even made a hit song,” he said.
Israel also talked about an alleged fight at Naira Marley’s house.
He mentioned it involved a disagreement between a former member of Davido’s 30BG crew, called Tolu, and one of Naira Marley’s guys.
He denied claims that anyone was beaten or attacked during the event.
“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 public outrage and the #JusticeForMohbad movement.
The singer, who was once signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Music, had previously spoken out about intimidation, assault, and conflicts involving people connected to the label.
His death led to police investigations, the exhumation of his body for an autopsy, and a coroner’s inquest into what happened.
In July 2025, the coroner’s court ruled out homicide and deliberate wrongdoing, suggesting a possible fatal reaction to substances given by an unlicensed nurse as a reason for his death.
The court recommended that the nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, be prosecuted for illegal medical practice and negligence.
VeryDarkMan was one of the key voices in the push for answers about the situation surrounding Mohbad’s death.
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