The highly anticipated criminal trial of Nigerian music sensation, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, hit a roadblock on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The trial was halted due to a pending application for fiat awaiting approval from the Chief Judge of the court.
The prosecutor, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, informed Justice Isaac Dipeolu that the application, dated December 8, 2023, is crucial for the continuation of the trial. Naira Marley is facing charges related to cybercrime, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 14, 2019.
The singer, known for hits like “Am I a yahoo boy”, pleaded not guilty when arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweibo on May 20, 2019. Despite being granted bail, the case took a turn when Justice Oweibo was transferred out of the Lagos division, leading to the appointment of a new judge, Dipeolu.
During the recent court appearance, both the prosecution and defense acknowledged the delay caused by the pending application for fiat. As a result, the case was adjourned until May 30 for further updates.
The EFCC alleges that Naira Marley and his associates engaged in fraudulent activities using Access Bank ATM cards between November 26, 2018, and December 11, 2018, as well as May 10, 2019. These actions are said to violate the Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the music star’s fate hangs in the balance, awaiting the next steps in the judicial process. Stay tuned for more updates on this high-profile case that has captured the attention of the nation and beyond.
