In a session presided over by Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, October 30, 2023, the trial of Nigerian artist Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, on allegations of internet fraud was adjourned to November 13, 2023. This adjournment was necessitated by the failure of the police to produce the defendant in court to proceed with the trial.
Naira Marley is facing an 11-count charge related to conspiracy and credit card fraud, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the previous court session held on October 6, 2023, the defendant’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court that the defendant was unable to appear due to his detention by the police for questioning in connection with the murder of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad. Ojo requested an adjournment of the trial in light of this situation.
In response, the prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, requested the court to issue a production warrant to ensure the defendant’s presence in the court on the next scheduled date.
Justice Oweibo, after considering both parties’ arguments, granted the prosecution counsel’s request and issued a production warrant for the defendant. The Judge rescheduled the trial to continue on Monday, October 30, 2023.
However, during the recent court session on Monday, the defendant was still absent. Buhari informed the court that, despite serving the police with the production warrant, the defendant was not brought to the court. As a result, she requested a further adjournment to coordinate with the police and secure the defendant’s appearance.
Consequently, the Judge adjourned the case until November 13 and 30, 2023, to allow for the continuation of the trial.
