Israel DMW Denies Davido’s Involvement in Alleged Plot Against VeryDarkMan

Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW and personal logistics manager to Afrobeats singer Davido, has denied claims that his principal was involved in controversies surrounding Naira Marley and social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, following the death of singer Mohbad.

Israel said Davido had no involvement in any alleged plan to have VeryDarkMan arrested over his campaign for justice for Mohbad.

In a statement shared on his Instagram account on Thursday, he added that members of Davido’s crew who participated in a WhatsApp group linked to the controversy did so without the singer’s knowledge or approval.

“Dearest Nigerians. 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. Those who were in that WhatsApp group, got there without his instructions or approval,” Israel wrote.

VeryDarkMan had alleged that his relationship with Davido deteriorated after he obtained WhatsApp conversations involving members of the singer’s circle and other entertainment personalities.

According to the activist, the discussions centred on efforts to have him arrested because of his persistent questions about Mohbad’s death and his participation in the #JusticeForMohbad campaign.

VeryDarkMan also claimed that he was surprised by the alleged conversations because he had maintained friendly relationships with some of the people involved, including Davido. He said attempts to contact the singer for clarification were unsuccessful.

Responding to the claims, Israel questioned why Davido would involve himself in the disagreement between VeryDarkMan and music producer Samklef.

He also denied allegations that Davido attempted to acquire Mohbad’s music catalogue or sign Marlian Music artiste Zinoleesky.

“Oga called for Mohbad’s catalogue or even made attempt to sign Zino? How na? Those who told VDM that fully lied,” he said.

On Davido’s relationship with Naira Marley after Mohbad’s death, Israel said the singer had resisted pressure from people who wanted him to unfollow the Marlian Music boss on Instagram.

He claimed Davido maintained that the police should be allowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death instead of acting on unverified allegations.

“Serious pressure even came for Oga then to unfollow Naira on Instagram, and he said it categorically, no, that he wants the police to do their job, that he doesn’t want to believe in any hearsay,” Israel added.

Israel further said Davido and Naira Marley remained on good terms, noting that the two artistes had collaborated on a song.

He also addressed an alleged altercation at Naira Marley’s residence, saying it involved Tolu, a former member of Davido’s 30BG crew, and one of Naira Marley’s associates.

Israel denied claims that anyone was beaten or attacked during the incident.

Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, triggering widespread public outrage and the #JusticeForMohbad campaign.

The singer, formerly signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Music, had previously raised allegations of intimidation, assault and disputes involving individuals associated with the label.

His death prompted police investigations, the exhumation of his body for an autopsy and a coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding it.

In July 2025, the coroner’s court ruled out homicide and deliberate foul play, identifying a possible fatal reaction to substances administered by an unlicensed nurse as a plausible explanation for his death. The court recommended the prosecution of the nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, over alleged unlawful medical practice and negligence.

VeryDarkMan was among the prominent voices in the campaign demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.