Mohbad’s death and the online mob mentality

The recent passing of the musician known as Mohbad has indeed become a focal point of discussion in Nigeria, capturing the attention of social media users and music enthusiasts alike. Prior to his untimely demise, Mohbad was relatively unknown to many, although some may have unknowingly heard his songs.

In the wake of his death, however, he has garnered unprecedented attention, with his music surging in popularity. It’s noteworthy that last week, four of his songs occupied spots in the top 10 of Apple Music’s charts in Nigeria. He is bigger in death than when he was alive.

As is often the case in today’s digital age, social media has played a significant role in shaping the narrative surrounding Mohbad’s death. Numerous conspiracy theories have emerged, and a segment of the public has already passed judgment, holding Naira Marley accountable.

This prevailing sentiment suggests that anything short of this conclusion would be deemed unacceptable by those who subscribe to this perspective.

Mohbad’s death has also highlighted the prevalence of herd mentality and online bullying on social media platforms. This phenomenon is not unique to this particular incident but has been observed in various contexts in recent times.

One prominent example was the #EndSARS protest, which was laudable in its initial goals but faced challenges due to a lack of maturity and an inability to discern when to conclude. The social media mob that emerged from this movement subsequently resorted to bullying anyone who didn’t align with their beliefs or conclusions.

This same online mob transformed into the “Obidients” movement, advocating for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, in the 2023 presidential election. The election campaign witnessed an alarming level of toxicity and cyberbullying that had not been witnessed in the country’s history. Those who did not support Peter Obi were subjected to bullying and labelled as bigots and enemies of the nation.

Many Nigerians eagerly awaited the conclusion of the election, primarily due to the extreme toxicity that had infiltrated the discourse.

Now, this same online mob has shifted its focus to Mohbad’s case, engaging in similar behaviour by bullying those who do not conform to their narrative.

Interestingly, some celebrities who previously endorsed the Obidients movement, either to bolster their popularity or avoid being targeted by online bullies, are now speaking out against these tactics in the Mohbad case. While they found it convenient to align with the mob during the election, they are now experiencing the negative effects of online bullying and are taking a stand against it.

One must contemplate the consequences if everyone were to think and act in the same manner. A world devoid of diverse opinions would undoubtedly be dull and unstimulating. Even in the context of religion, God has granted humanity the freedom to choose between heaven and hell, emphasising the importance of choice in shaping our destinies.

Ironically, many of those supporting Mohbad, alleging that he was bullied by Naira Marley and his crew, are among the most prominent bullies on social media.

It is essential to emphasise that it is perfectly acceptable to hold different opinions, support different political candidates, or have contrary viewpoints. Succumbing to the pressure of online fascists who have turned social media into a battleground for those with dissenting opinions is not the solution.

Returning to the Mohbad case, it is evident that a significant portion of the people currently protesting are merely jumping on the bandwagon without a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances. For instance, a video surfaced in which one protester was asked about Mohbad, and he claimed that it was a dispute involving a Calabar individual working for his boss that led to the tragedy. While this may sound humorous, it reflects the reality that many protesters are unaware of the actual details surrounding Mohbad’s life and death.

In light of these events, it is imperative that the police conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the true cause of Mohbad’s demise. The Nigerian Police Force, when committed to its work, has demonstrated the capability to achieve outstanding results. In the case of Mohbad, one can only hope for the best outcome from their investigation.

Consequently, the passing of Mohbad has ignited a firestorm of debate and controversy on social media, shining a spotlight on issues like herd mentality, online bullying, and the importance of diverse opinions. It is crucial for individuals to maintain their individuality and not succumb to the pressures of conforming to a single narrative.

Furthermore, a comprehensive investigation into Mohbad’s death is essential to uncover the truth and provide closure to his family and fans. It is my hope that this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility that come with our interactions on social media platforms.