By Ibrahim Danladi

Shubomi Fashola, the sister of the renowned Nigerian rapper, Azeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, has expressed her deep concern over her brother’s prolonged detention.

On October 4, 2023, a magistrate court in Yaba, Lagos State, ordered the remand of Naira Marley and the well-known socialite Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry. They were remanded on allegations of mistreatment towards the late former Marlian Music signee, Mohbad.

Despite the Lagos State Police Command requesting a 30-day remand for Naira Marley and the others to conclude their ongoing investigation, Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun ruled that a 21-day remand was sufficient.

Shubomi Fashola, in response to her brother’s ongoing detention, voiced her distress, asserting that holding him for nearly 30 days without any formal charges, concrete evidence, or substantial witnesses constitutes a violation of his basic human rights. She suggested that her brother was being detained to appease the sentiments expressed by social media and internet users.

Taking to her Instagram story, she penned her thoughts: “Keeping someone who voluntarily returned to assist in detention for almost 30 days without any charges, evidence, or adequate witnesses is a violation of his human rights. Detaining him solely to pacify social media and the internet mob is incomprehensible.”

She went on to emphasize the importance of a swift and just resolution: “If you have evidence against him for any of the accusations he’s facing, then charge him! But if you don’t, release him. The investigation should not take this long. We all seek the truth and justice. What is causing the delay? We have already lost one individual, and attempting to vilify another will not bring justice. I pray that no one ever has to endure accusations of an offense they had no involvement in. God is in control!”