Actress Iyabo Ojo has expressed concern for her safety and that of her family following a series of threats, including a letter received shortly before her daughter’s wedding and the recent burning of her office.
The 47-year-old made the disclosure in a lengthy statement shared on her Instagram page on Thursday.
In the post titled “For Public Records,” she addressed her invitation by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja over a video she made years ago during the uproar that followed singer Mohbad’s death.
“It is no longer news that I was recently invited by the Nigeria Police Force, National Cybercrime Centre, Abuja, over petitions bordering on cyberbullying and other allegations concerning a live video I recorded a few years ago,” she began.
“In that video, I requested certain individuals to make themselves available for investigation into the sudden death of Mohbad in order to prove their innocence or otherwise.”
She explained that she followed due process by using her NGO, Pinkies Foundation, to write to the governor, attorney general, commissioner of police and other authorities requesting an independent investigation and coroner’s inquest into the singer’s death.
“All of these steps clearly point to the fact that I never affirmed that Mohbad’s death was caused by any specific individual. Otherwise, I would not have taken the legal and investigative actions I did,” she said.
The actress recalled how she met with then Lagos commissioner of police, Idowu Owohunwa, the late DCP Ayilara, and members of the state House of Assembly to push for a thorough investigation.
She also noted that Mohbad’s wife, brother and others were invited by the police but stressed: “I cannot dictate how the police should conduct their investigations.”
Iyabo lamented that she has become the target of smear campaigns and threats, especially since the 2023 general elections.
“Certain individuals have, over the years, consistently called for my death, the destruction of my source of livelihood, and have incited public violence against me and my children, all without any intervention from the authorities,” she wrote. “It is, therefore, not surprising to now see coffins inscribed with my name, barefaced videos threatening my life and properties, and further confirmation that my family and business enterprise remain endangered.”
She disclosed that a few days before her daughter Priscilla’s wedding in Tanzania, she received a threat letter at her office which warned: “I would go through hell in the next three months.” The same letter was shared on Priscilla Ojo’s Instagram story on Wednesday.
Adding to her ordeal, the mother of two said she is still reeling from the destruction caused to her office by the fire outbreak on Tuesday.
“However, my office was recently destroyed by fire. It is only humane to allow me the emotional space and time to tend to my health and wellbeing,” she appealed.
Despite the challenges, Iyabo maintained her faith and commitment to justice, saying, “Without an iota of doubt, I have recently found comfort in the scriptures, which state that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God will deliver me from them all.”
“I trust that God will ultimately give me victory over adversity,” she added.
While clarifying that she never accused anyone of killing Mohbad, she said her reactions at the time were emotional responses to disturbing videos and called for justice through proper channels, stating that she bore all expenses personally through her foundation.
“It is entirely within the prerogative of the police to invite any individual they consider relevant to an investigation. As a private citizen, it is not within my powers or place to direct the course of such decisions,” she wrote.
She reiterated her willingness to continue honouring police invitations as she has done in the past and thanked the police, her supporters, and well-wishers for standing by her.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the police authorities, concerned individuals, friends, and supporters who have stood by me in the face of these daunting challenges, regardless of tribe, religion, or differing opinions,” she said.
