A highly anticipated trial of Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, on charges of cybercrime has been adjourned by a Federal High Court in Lagos. The continuation of the trial will now take place on November 13 and 30, as Justice Nicholas Oweibo granted the adjournment due to the absence of Naira Marley from court.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported that Naira Marley is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges related to cybercrime. These charges were brought against him on May 14, 2019. However, the court had previously granted him bail in the amount of N2 million, with two sureties providing the same sum.
According to the allegations made by the EFCC, Naira Marley and his alleged accomplices conspired to defraud their victims using various Access Bank ATM cards. The trial has already commenced and is currently ongoing.
It is noteworthy to mention that the police in Lagos had previously detained Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, in connection with the death of Nigerian artiste, Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. However, during the scheduled court hearing on Monday, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Naira Marley’s legal representative, informed the court that the defendant was still absent from his trial, disregarding the court’s order for his presence.
In response to this, the prosecutor revealed that despite her request for a production warrant, Naira Marley remained absent. As a result, the court adjourned the case until November 13 and 30, allowing for the continuation of the trial.
With this adjournment, the Nigerian public and supporters of Naira Marley will have to wait patiently for the next court session to further unravel the alleged cybercrime case. As the trial progresses, more details will emerge, shedding light on the charges leveled against the acclaimed Nigerian singer.
