Mohbad: We received several calls from influential people to release Sam Larry – Police source

• Yesterday in Lagos, the police were reportedly feeling the squeeze to give detained socialite Sam Larry some “get out of jail” card, who had been in hot water for weeks in connection with Mohbad’s unfortunate demise.
• Sam Larry has made his way back to Nigeria and landed in the custody of the police. However whispers in the alleys suggest that influential figures have been working the backchannels, pulling strings to release him from the clutches of the law.

The Lagos State Police command appears to be facing mounting pressure to release music promoter Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, who was detained for questioning regarding the contentious demise of 27-year-old singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, widely recognized as Mohbad.

An Insider within the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Yaba, Lagos, who had a chat with The Guardian, disclosed that ever since Sam Larry’s arrest last week, their phone lines have been buzzing, especially with calls coming from a prominent traditional leader on the Island (whose name remains confidential) to the top dog at SCIID, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Waheed Ayilara, urging him to release Sam Larry.

The sources revealed that the individual calling made a promise to produce him whenever he is needed.

The source said, “There have been several calls to my boss to release Eletu, while the investigation continues. A renowned traditional ruler on the Island (names withheld) is always calling, pleading with my boss to release him after interrogation.

“When he became persistent, my boss directed him to the Commissioner of Police (CP), on the ground that he is the only one that can give the order for Eletu’s release or otherwise.”

The police source further stated that investigations are still ongoing concerning the singer’s death and are still exploring other leads.