Court Adjourns Naira Marley’s Cybercrime Trial As Police Fail To Provide Him

A Federal High Court in Lagos has postponed the trial of rapper Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, in a cybercrime case to November 13 and 30 due to the defendant’s absence.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo adjourned the case, a matter brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Naira Marley on cybercrime charges, with the prosecution lodging the allegations on May 14, 2019.

The singer, known for the hit “Am I a Yahoo Boy?”, was arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweibo on May 20, 2019, pleading not guilty. He was subsequently granted bail of two million naira with two sureties in like sum.

Despite the trial being ongoing, Justice Oweibo issued a production warrant on October 6 after Naira Marley failed to appear in court on the last date.

The court order followed the prosecution’s request for a production warrant, yet the defendant remained absent.

The defense counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), noted the defendant’s continued absence despite the court’s order for his production. In response, the prosecutor highlighted that although they sought a production warrant, the defendant remained absent.

The court then adjourned the case for November 13 and 30 to continue the trial.

According to the EFCC, the alleged offences spanned different dates between November 26, 2018, and December 11, 2018, as well as May 10, 2019.

The charges included conspiracy to defraud individuals using various Access Bank ATM cards and the use of a bank credit card issued to another person to obtain fraudulent financial gains.

The EFCC also accused Naira Marley of possessing counterfeit credit cards belonging to different people with the intent to defraud, constituting theft under the Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015.

KanyiDaily recalls that Naira Marley is currently in custody of the Lagos State Police Command over his alleged involvement in the circumstances surrounding the death of his former signee, Mohbad.