Nigerian Entertainment Spotlight: Mohbad’s Case Intensifies, Chef Chi’s Heartfelt Return, and Industry Shifts

The Nigerian entertainment landscape continues to be a vibrant mix of triumph, tragedy, and ongoing legal battles. As of August 2025, major headlines include renewed calls for a deeper probe into the death of singer Mohbad, the emotional return of Chioma Adeleke to social media, and a recent armed robbery attack on rapper Lil Kesh, alongside the continued global expansion of the industry.

Mohbad’s Death: A Case Marked by Contradictions and Calls for Re-investigation

The controversial death of Afrobeats star Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, on September 12, 2023, remains a focal point of public and legal scrutiny. While a Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, concluded in July 2025 that Mohbad’s death was primarily due to medical negligence, recommending the prosecution of auxiliary nurse Feyisayo Ogedengbe for administering an injection without a doctor’s prescription, the narrative surrounding his demise is far from settled. The court stated that there was no evidence of foul play or homicide [32, 5, 8, 23, 41].

However, Mohbad’s former record label boss, Azeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, has once again brought the case to the forefront. In August 2025, Marley released a video vehemently denying any involvement in Mohbad’s death, asserting he was in Amsterdam when the tragedy occurred [5, 20, 21]. He has publicly urged the Lagos State Police Command to intensify the investigation, going as far as demanding his re-arrest alongside his associate, Samson Balogun, also known as Sam Larry, and others accused, calling for a “trustworthy officer” to oversee the case [5, 8, 20, 23]. Naira Marley also alleged that Mohbad struggled with substance abuse and suicidal tendencies, and hinted at complicity from Mohbad’s wife and others [20, 21, 34]. He has committed to transferring Mohbad’s royalties to a court-appointed family member [5, 8, 21, 23, 30].

Conversely, Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, has countered Naira Marley’s claims, maintaining that his son endured bullying and harassment while he was alive [7, 17, 27]. Mr. Aloba confirmed that Mohbad used an “unusual account” for financial transactions, an issue Naira Marley had previously highlighted, and recounted personally witnessing incidents of harassment, with others reporting that Marley had physically assaulted Mohbad [7, 17, 27]. The contrasting accounts underscore the deep divisions and unresolved questions that continue to plague the pursuit of justice for Mohbad.

Chef Chi’s Poignant Return and Renewed Vows

In a deeply emotional development, Chioma Adeleke, affectionately known as Chef Chi and wife of Afrobeats superstar Davido, made a heartfelt return to Instagram in August 2025. This marked the end of a three-year hiatus she took following the tragic drowning of their son, Ifeanyi, in October 2022 [6, 9, 12, 19, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 36, 37, 42]. Her return coincided with her lavish white wedding to Davido in Miami on August 10, 2025 [6, 10, 12, 19, 28]. In a touching tribute, Chioma shared a photo of her wedding bouquet adorned with Ifeanyi’s image, describing him as her “best friend” and affirming his eternal presence in her heart. Davido reciprocated her sentiments, and the couple, who also welcomed twins in 2023, continues to navigate their journey with grace and remembrance [6, 9, 12, 19, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 36, 37, 42].

Lil Kesh Survives Robbery Attack

Nigerian rapper Keshinro Ololade, widely known as Lil Kesh, recently survived a violent armed robbery attempt in Lagos on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The assailants reportedly stabbed the artist in the neck and ear, making away with valuable jewelry [3, 4, 11, 15]. Lil Kesh has since taken to social media to reassure his fans of his safety and recovery, expressing gratitude for their support. As of now, police have not released an official statement regarding the incident [3, 16].

Hilda Baci’s Culinary Triumph and Record Transition

Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, or Hilda Baci, achieved widespread acclaim in May 2023 when she set a new Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, clocking in at an impressive 93 hours and 11 minutes [1, 2, 14]. Her “Cook-a-thon” garnered immense national and international attention, effectively spotlighting Nigerian cuisine on the global stage. However, Baci’s record was subsequently surpassed in November 2023 by Irish chef Alan Fisher, who cooked for 119 hours and 57 minutes [1, 13, 18]. Baci gracefully congratulated Fisher on his achievement, acknowledging the dynamic nature of such records [1].

Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry: A Global Powerhouse in Growth

The broader Nigerian entertainment industry continues its upward trajectory, with projections indicating its revenue will exceed $14.8 billion by the close of 2025 [31, 33]. This substantial growth is primarily fueled by a digital revolution, increasing internet penetration, the proliferation of streaming platforms, and the escalating global demand for Nigerian content [31, 35, 38, 40]. Afrobeats maintains its dominance as a global music genre, while Nollywood films and series are increasingly reaching international audiences, cementing Nigeria’s influence in the global entertainment landscape [31, 38, 40]. The dynamic blend of high-profile personal stories, legal complexities, and impressive industry expansion defines the current state of Nigerian entertainment.