A former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has said that Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, deserves an apology from those who accused him in connection with the late rapper Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad.

Ahmad, who served as Senior Special Assistant on New Media, made the statement on Wednesday after watching Marley’s recently released video, where the singer presented his side of the story.

The controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death in September 2023 sparked widespread outrage, with Naira Marley, his former label boss, facing heavy criticism and allegations from fans and fellow entertainers.

“I would have wrongly accused him”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ahmad admitted that he had not closely followed the case until recently. However, after reviewing Marley’s evidence, he said the artiste appeared to have been wrongly accused.

He wrote:

“I have never really taken time to go through the Naira Marley and Mohbad saga. I was only vaguely aware of the headlines and social media reactions, until this morning, when I watched the video where Naira Marley shared his own side of the story.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have believed him if he hadn’t documented everything so thoroughly—messages, calls, videos and dates, from the very first day they started talking, to the very last time.

It is truly a blessing when God gives you the wisdom to document every important situation in your life. That habit alone can save you from injustice and false narratives.”

“Those who accused him owe him an apology”

Ahmad further stated that Marley’s critics should take responsibility for their allegations.

“Those who wrongly accused Naira Marley owe him an apology, at the very least. May Mohbad continue to rest in peace,” he added.

Responding to reactions under his post, Ahmad said it had been difficult for many to speak in Marley’s defence at the height of the controversy, but commended the singer for eventually sharing his account.

He noted:

“Until recently, coming out to stand or speak up for him was really hard. Good that he found the courage to come out publicly and share his own side of the story. Now it is up to people to choose who or what to believe.

I would have wrongly accused Naira Marley if I hadn’t waited until now to hear his side of the story.”

Background to the controversy

Mohbad, a fast-rising Nigerian rapper, died in September 2023 at the age of 27. His death triggered nationwide protests and a police investigation, amid claims of harassment and abuse during his time under Marlian Music, Naira Marley’s record label.

While the cause of his death remains a subject of public speculation, calls for justice continue from fans and advocacy groups. Marley’s latest statements, backed with what he described as “documented evidence,” mark a new phase in the ongoing public debate.

The first set of performers and honourees for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) has been announced, with global superstars Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin, Ricky Martin, Sabrina Carpenter and sombr billed to take the stage.

The ceremony will air live on CBS from UBS Arena in New York on Sunday, September 7, and broadcast across Africa on MTV (DStv Channel 130) at 00:00 WAT on September 8.

Hip-hop pioneer Busta Rhymes will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Latin music icon Ricky Martin will be honoured with the first-ever Latin Icon Award. The event will be hosted by LL COOL J.

Alex Warren makes his VMAs debut

Singer-songwriter Alex Warren, who has quickly risen as one of MTV’s PUSH artists, will make his VMAs debut. He is also up for Best New Artist, Best Pop, and Song of the Year for his chart-topping hit “Ordinary.”

Busta Rhymes honoured with Visionary Award

Celebrating more than three decades in music, Busta Rhymes will be honoured for his cultural impact. With over 60 million certified sales, 12 Grammy nominations, and seven Top 10 Billboard 200 albums, Busta remains one of hip-hop’s most enduring figures.

“Since his first VMAs appearance in 1997, Busta has delivered a slew of show-stealing moments including a rapid-fire medley to close the 2021 show,” organisers said.

J Balvin and DJ Snake debut explosive collaboration

Latin superstar J Balvin will return to the VMAs stage to perform his latest hit “Zun Zun,” alongside Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez. He will also premiere “Noventa” with French DJ and producer DJ Snake, marking Snake’s first VMAs performance.

Balvin, a 13-time nominee, could make history by becoming the most decorated Latin artist in VMA history.

Ricky Martin recognised as Latin Icon

Music legend Ricky Martin will receive the first-ever Latin Icon Award in recognition of his four-decade career that has helped shape global pop culture.

The Puerto Rican star has sold over 70 million albums and won more than 180 awards for his music, acting and humanitarian work.

His VMAs return comes 26 years after his historic 1999 performance, when he became the first male Latin artist to win Best Pop Video and walked away with five awards.

Sabrina Carpenter returns after breakout year

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter will also perform, following her breakout success at last year’s VMAs where she won Song of the Year.

Nominated for eight awards in 2025, including Video of the Year for “Manchild,” Carpenter is among the most-anticipated acts of the night.

sombr earns first VMA nominations

Breakout singer-songwriter sombr will make his VMAs stage debut. He is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Alternative for his viral hit “back to friends.”

Production and streaming details

The 2025 VMAs are produced by Gunpowder & Sky with Bruce Gillmer, Jesse Ignjatovic and Barb Bialkowski serving as executive producers.

Paramount+ Premium subscribers will be able to stream the show live, while Essential subscribers will have access on-demand a day later.

Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Entertainment icon and GRAMMY® Award winner LL COOL J will host the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), set to air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Monday, September 8, at 00:00 WAT on CBS and MTV (DStv Channel 130).

This marks the first time the hip-hop pioneer will host the show solo, after previously sharing the stage with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow in 2022.

“LL COOL J has been a trailblazer in music and culture for over three decades, and his return to the VMAs stage as host is a full-circle moment,” said the producers.

A legacy of VMAs moments

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee has a long history with the awards show. He first won a Moon Person in 1991 for Best Rap and made history as the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997.

In recent years, LL COOL J has been part of several standout moments on the VMAs stage, including a star-studded hip-hop 50th anniversary tribute in 2023 and a Def Jam 40th anniversary celebration in 2024 featuring surprise guests Public Enemy.

This year, his single Murdergram Deaux featuring Eminem—off his 2024 album THE FORCE—is nominated for Best Hip-Hop.

Performers and surprises to come

Organisers say additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Viewers can follow updates on @CBS, @MTV, and @VMAs across social platforms using the hashtag #VMAs.

The production is led by Bruce Gillmer, Jesse Ignjatovic, and Barb Bialkowski, alongside a seasoned team of award-winning producers.

Sponsors for the 2025 VMAs include BACARDÍ®, Burger King®, DORITOS®, Dunkin’®, and PANTENE.

How to watch

Fans in Nigeria and across Africa can tune in on MTV (DStv Channel 130), while U.S. audiences can watch live on CBS. Paramount+ Premium subscribers will also be able to stream the show live via their local CBS affiliate, with on-demand viewing available afterward.

About LL COOL J

Beyond his VMAs legacy, LL COOL J is a cultural icon, known for his influential rap career, acting roles, and impact on global entertainment. He has continued to bridge generations with his music, including collaborations with top stars like Eminem.

About the MTV VMAs

The MTV Video Music Awards, launched in 1984, remain one of the most watched and talked-about nights in music. The event is famed for its unforgettable performances, groundbreaking visuals, and cultural moments that shape the industry.