Almost two years after the tragic and controversial death of singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, which triggered widespread allegations of bullying and harassment, Samson Balogun, aka Sam Larry, appears to be working hard to reshape his battered public image. His recent actions— including an interview with controversial social media personality, VeryDarkMan, and a public outing at Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s polling unit during the state’s local government elections— have been interpreted by many observers as part of a coordinated effort to regain public favour.
Larry, a known associate of street-hop artiste, Naira Marley, was one of the individuals whose names were mentioned in connection with the alleged bullying of Mohbad before the singer’s demise in September 2023.
In the wake of the singer’s death, the weight of public opinion turned heavily against the duo, with many fans accusing them of playing a role — directly or indirectly — in the emotional and physical trauma the late singer allegedly faced.
In the recent interview with VDM, Sam Larry attempted to set the record straight, denying that he ever bullied Mohbad, while insisting that their last disagreement was over a sum of money.
He said in pidgin English, “I no bully Mohbad. Na money wey him owe me, N2m. “Na me help am when he get issue for Eleko. I no fit bully person wey I help.”
However, it seemed the interview failed to have the intended effect. Rather than evoking sympathy or understanding, it sparked fresh criticism and ridicule. Many online commentators found his explanations inconsistent and self-serving, especially given the earlier viral videos where he was seen disrupting one of Mohbad’s music video shoots; a clip that significantly contributed to the public outrage against him last year.
As if to further distance himself from the controversy, Sam Larry was recently seen in the company of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the July 12, 2025 local government elections in Lagos. He was photographed at the governor’s polling unit, engaging with youths and posing for the cameras.
Still, the appearance did little to sway public sentiment. On social media, users flooded the comments sections of posts containing the pictures with taunts and skeptical remarks. One user wrote, “Image laundering don start,” while another quipped, “From bullying Mohbad to supporting democracy. Life comes at you fast.”
Despite turning off comments on some of his Instagram posts, screenshots shared by users show that whenever Sam Larry posts content, he is met with a barrage of sarcasm and condemnation.
“Rest! Your conscience is still loud,” one follower commented on a recent video of the socialite dancing. Another wrote, “Even if you paint yourself white, we know the real you.”
Yet another commentator wrote, “You can’t do PR on a damaged conscience. Let justice run its course.”
This is not the first time Sam Larry has attempted “public rehabilitation”. In late 2023, he released a video claiming he had no issues with Mohbad, and that they had settled their differences before the singer’s passing. That too was met with skepticism, especially as it came shortly after his release from police detention.
Meanwhile, though Naira Marley has remained largely quiet in recent months, his silence has not spared him from backlash too. His social media posts still attract angry reactions, with some fans vowing never to listen to his music again. Though he has maintained innocence, many still associate him with the alleged intimidation Mohbad endured when he was signed to Marlian Music.
PUNCH.
