Detained Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and his associate, Sam Larry, have filed a N40 million breach of fundamental human rights suit before the Lagos High Court in Igbosere. The suit, filed by Olalekan Ojo (SAN) on behalf of the artists, is directed at the Nigeria Police for their infringement on the right to personal liberty.
Named as respondents in the suit are: Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Waheed Ayilara, Deputy Commissioner of Police Homicide Section Panti, and the Chief Magistrate Court One Yaba.
Ojo argues that the detention of his clients since October 4, on the orders of the Magistrates’ court, has exceeded the time limit set by law, which expired on October 26. Consequently, he is seeking the court’s order to release the applicants immediately. In addition, the applicants are claiming a sum of N40 million as compensation for the violation of their right to personal liberty.
No specific date has been set for the hearing of the application.
Marley and Larry were arrested by the police in connection with the death of Nigerian artist Oladimeji Aloba, also known as “Mohbad”.
It should be noted that Marley’s trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged cybercrime was postponed on Monday due to his absence in court.
Marley is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges related to credit card fraud. The artist, known for his hit song “Am I a Yahoo Boy,” was arraigned on May 20, 2019, and pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail by Justice Nicholas Oweibo.
In a separate incident, on October 6, Justice Oweibo issued a production warrant for Marley due to his absence in court as he was being held by the police in relation to the death of Mohbad.
At the last adjourned date, Marley’s lawyer informed the court that the police once again failed to produce his client. As a result, the case was adjourned until November 13 and 30. Subsequently, the defense lawyer filed a N40 million breach of fundamental human rights suit against the police.
NAN
