Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, has stepped out to defend his boss, Afrobeats star Davido, against accusations connecting him to controversies surrounding social media activist VeryDarkMan and singer Naira Marley. The personal logistics manager stated that the music star had absolutely no hand in any plot to arrest the activist or in the challenges faced by Naira Marley following the demise of singer Mohbad.
The clarification came via Israel's Instagram account following a dispute between Davido and VeryDarkMan, according to Punch. The activist had alleged that his ties with the singer collapsed after discovering leaked WhatsApp messages involving Davido’s associates and other entertainment figures. VeryDarkMan claimed the group planned to facilitate his arrest due to his relentless advocacy during the #JusticeForMohbad campaign, adding that his efforts to reach Davido directly yielded no answers.
Addressing the claims, Israel insisted that Davido never instructed or approved the participation of any of his crew members in the said group chat. He stated firmly that his principal had no involvement in any plan to arrest the activist. He also dismissed accusations that Davido attempted to buy Mohbad’s music catalogue or sign Marlian Music act Zinoleesky, remarking that those feeding information to the activist lied completely.
Israel also shed light on Davido's relationship with Marlian Music boss Naira Marley during the heated public outcry. He explained that despite strong pressure on Davido to unfollow Naira Marley on social media, the singer declined, insisting that police should carry out proper investigations instead of relying on unverified claims. Israel maintained that both musicians share a cordial relationship and had previously teamed up on a hit record.
Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. The former Marlian Music signee had earlier reported disputes, threats, and intimidation involving people linked to the label. In July 2025, a coroner’s inquest ruled out deliberate foul play or homicide, finding that an adverse reaction to treatment from an unlicensed nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, likely caused the singer's death.
