Alleged Cyber Crime: Trial of Naira Marley stalled
Absence
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Nov. 13, 2023 (NAN) The trial of Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola a.k.a Naira Marley charged with cyber crime, was on Monday, stalled before a Federal Court Lagos, as the court did not sit.
The trial judge, Justice Nicholas Owiebo is said to be attending a judges’ conference..
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendant on charges bordering on cyber crime.
IThe anti-graft agency preferred the charges on May 14, 2019
Fashola, who sang the popular song: “Am I a yahoo boy”, was consequently, arraigned on May 20, 2019 before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, but he pleaded not guilty.
The court had accordingly, granted him bail in the sum of two million naira, with two sureties in like sum.
Trial has since commenced in the case and still ongoing.
On Oct. 6, Justice Oweibo had issued a warrant for production of the defendant, following his absence from trial on the last date .
Oweibo’s order, followed an application for production warrant by the prosecution, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari.
NAN recalls that the police in Lagos had detained Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, in connection with death of Nigerian artiste, Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as “Mohbad”.
At the last adjourned date on Oct. 30, defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN) had informed the court that the defendant was still clearly absent from court inspite of the court’s order for his production.
The court had consequently, adjourned the case until Nov. 13 and 30 for cintinaution of trial
Trial will now continue on the next date Nov. 30.
