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Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, the personal logistics manager to Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has publicly defended his principal amid the growing controversy involving social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, professionally known as Mohbad. Israel dismissed allegations linking Davido to the controversies surrounding Naira Marley during the campaign for justice for Mohbad, insisting that the singer had no involvement in any alleged plot to have VeryDarkMan arrested. His intervention comes amid renewed exchanges between Davido and the outspoken activist, whose previously cordial relationship has reportedly deteriorated over disagreements connected to the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and the subsequent investigation.In a statement shared on his social media platform on Thursday, November 5, Israel addressed Nigerians directly, urging members of the public not to associate Davido with allegations he described as false. According to him, his principal neither participated in Naira Marley’s difficulties during the Mohbad controversy nor authorised anyone to organise an attempt to arrest VeryDarkMan. He also maintained that individuals whose names appeared in a controversial WhatsApp group allegedly connected to the activist’s arrest were not acting on Davido’s instructions or with his approval. Israel insisted that those who had informed VDM that Davido was behind the alleged activities had misrepresented the situation.Israel further questioned why Davido would have any interest in the controversies involving media personality Samklef, dismissing suggestions that the singer was pursuing a personal agenda against other members of the entertainment industry. He also denied allegations that Davido attempted to acquire Mohbad’s music catalogue or make moves to sign Zinoleesky, who was formerly associated with Marlian Records. According to Israel, the information allegedly supplied to VeryDarkMan concerning these issues was misleading and should not be accepted without credible evidence. He maintained that his principal had no reason to involve himself in the affairs of other artistes in the manner being suggested.
Addressing Davido’s relationship with Naira Marley, Israel disclosed that the Afrobeats star came under considerable pressure from some individuals who wanted him to unfollow the Marlian Records boss on Instagram during the controversy that followed Mohbad’s death. However, he claimed that Davido refused to succumb to the pressure, maintaining that the police should be allowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the late singer’s death rather than making decisions based on public sentiment and unverified allegations. Israel further insisted that Davido and Naira Marley remained on good terms, adding that the two artistes had even collaborated on a successful song. His comments appear intended to challenge the narrative that Davido actively participated in efforts to isolate Naira Marley during the controversy.
Israel also offered an explanation concerning an alleged confrontation at Naira Marley’s residence, which had reportedly become another point of contention in the ongoing disagreement. According to him, the incident involved Tolu 30BG, an individual associated with Davido’s camp, and one of Naira Marley’s associates. He maintained that the disagreement was between the individuals involved and denied claims that anyone was beaten or physically attacked during the encounter. By providing this account, Israel sought to separate Davido from the alleged confrontation and dismiss suggestions that the singer’s camp orchestrated any form of hostility against Naira Marley or members of his circle.
Meanwhile, VeryDarkMan has offered a different account of how his relationship with Davido deteriorated. In a video shared on social media on Friday, November 6, the activist explained that the campaign for justice for Mohbad was initially what brought him and the singer together. He recalled that Davido followed him on social media in 2024, a development he described as exciting because of the singer’s international popularity. According to VDM, their relationship subsequently became cordial, and he regularly supported Davido by promoting his music. However, he claimed that things changed after he obtained access to a WhatsApp group conversation in 2025, which he alleged contained discussions connected to efforts that eventually led to his arrest in 2024.
VDM further alleged that some individuals within Davido’s wider circle were uncomfortable with the questions he continued to raise about Mohbad’s death and the circumstances surrounding the singer’s relationship with Marlian Records. He claimed that the controversial WhatsApp group was not primarily established to pursue justice for the late singer but was instead being used by some participants to advance an agenda against Naira Marley. The activist also questioned why individuals who maintained cordial relationships with him could allegedly participate in discussions connected to his arrest. He reportedly spent nearly a month in detention following his arrest in 2024 before being transferred to Kuje Prison and subsequently released. However, these allegations remain claims made by VDM and have not independently established Davido’s involvement in any unlawful activity.
The disagreement reportedly deepened when VDM attempted to contact Davido to seek clarification about the alleged WhatsApp conversations. According to the activist, the singer did not respond to his calls, leaving him disappointed and questioning the sincerity of their previous friendship. He also expressed dissatisfaction over a social media publication suggesting that he wanted to record a conversation with Davido and use it to blackmail the singer. VDM described the development as a betrayal, particularly because he believed their relationship had been built on mutual respect and support. He maintained that the same issue that initially brought them together, the demand for justice for Mohbad, eventually became the reason for their separation.
The controversy has also attracted attention following a separate disagreement involving Davido and Nigerian singer Zlatan Ibile. A viral video from Zlatan’s wedding-related celebration in Morocco showed Davido singing along to a line from the singer’s song, Inferno, which VDM interpreted as an indirect reference to him. The activist subsequently criticised Zlatan and warned that he would respond to what he considered a deliberate attempt to mock him. Although the intention behind the lyrics has not been independently established, the incident has added another dimension to the growing entertainment industry dispute. VDM has also criticised Zlatan’s conduct during the campaign for justice for Mohbad, further widening the disagreement among personalities associated with the controversy.
Mohbad’s death on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, generated nationwide outrage and renewed discussions about the treatment of artistes within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Before his death, the singer had been associated with Marlian Records, owned by Naira Marley, and had reportedly raised concerns about his experiences within the label. Following his death, public attention focused on the circumstances surrounding the incident, with calls for a thorough investigation and accountability from relevant authorities. The controversy subsequently drew several entertainers, activists and public figures into the debate, including Davido, VeryDarkMan, Naira Marley, Samklef and other personalities. The ongoing disagreement demonstrates how a campaign that initially united sections of the entertainment industry has continued to generate divisions and competing narratives.
As the exchange between Israel DMW and VeryDarkMan continues to attract reactions, the central question remains whether Davido had any knowledge of or involvement in the activities allegedly connected to VDM’s arrest. While Israel has categorically denied his principal’s involvement, VeryDarkMan has continued to present his allegations and question the actions of individuals within Davido’s circle. Neither the aide’s defence nor the activist’s allegations should automatically be treated as conclusive proof of what happened. Ultimately, establishing the truth requires credible evidence rather than social media exchanges, personal assumptions or statements from interested parties. For now, the controversy has placed Davido, Israel DMW, Naira Marley and VeryDarkMan at the centre of another heated conversation about friendship, loyalty, accountability and the unresolved questions surrounding the quest for justice for Mohbad.
