Israel DMW, aide to Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has defended his boss against allegations linking him to an alleged plot to have social media activist Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), arrested.

Israel made the clarification in a statement shared online on Thursday, November 5, 2026, following renewed controversy surrounding the strained relationship between Davido and the activist.

The development followed claims by VDM that members of Davido’s entourage were allegedly involved in a WhatsApp group where discussions about his arrest were held during the controversy surrounding the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Reacting to the allegations, Israel insisted that Davido had no involvement in any plan to have VDM arrested, adding that his boss neither instructed nor approved the participation of anyone in the group.

Addressing Nigerians, he said those who told the activist that Davido was involved had misrepresented the situation.

Israel also denied claims that Davido played any role in the difficulties faced by singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, during the public campaign for justice following Mohbad’s death.

He questioned why Davido would have any disagreement with music producer Samklef and dismissed claims that the singer requested Mohbad’s music catalogue or attempted to sign fellow artiste Zinoleesky.

On Davido’s relationship with Naira Marley, Israel disclosed that his boss faced pressure from some people to unfollow the singer on Instagram during the controversy but refused to do so.

According to him, Davido maintained that the police should be allowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death rather than act on rumours and unverified allegations.

Israel further insisted that Davido and Naira Marley remained on good terms, noting that both artistes had collaborated on a successful song.

He also addressed an alleged incident at Naira Marley’s residence, explaining that the disagreement involved Tolu 30BG, a member of Davido’s circle, and one of Naira Marley’s associates.

He maintained that nobody was beaten or physically attacked during the disagreement.

VDM’s Allegations Against Davido’s Camp

VDM had earlier explained that his relationship with Davido deteriorated after he allegedly obtained a WhatsApp conversation in 2025 which he claimed contained discussions about efforts to have him arrested in 2024.

The activist said he was surprised by the development because he had maintained a friendly relationship with Davido and some members of his crew.

He claimed that the discussions were connected to his persistent questions about Mohbad’s death and the activities of individuals associated with the late singer’s former record label.

VDM also alleged that he repeatedly attempted to contact Davido to seek an explanation but received no response.

According to him, the situation left him disappointed, particularly because he considered the singer a friend and had regularly supported his music online.

The activist subsequently declared that he no longer wished to maintain any relationship with Davido or members of his entourage.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, prompting widespread public demands for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The singer’s death generated controversy involving Naira Marley, his former record label, Marlian Records, and other figures in the entertainment industry.

While VDM has maintained that members of Davido’s circle were connected to the alleged discussions about his arrest, Israel has rejected the claims and insisted that his boss had no role in the matter.