The criminal trial of Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, faced a setback as proceedings could not continue before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday. The delay was attributed to a pending application for fiat awaiting approval by the Chief Judge of the court.
Prosecutor Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari informed Justice Isaac Dipeolu, the trial judge, about the situation, explaining that the application dated December 8, 2023, seeks permission for the former judge to continue presiding over the case.
Naira Marley is facing charges related to cybercrime, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 14, 2019. The charges stem from alleged offenses committed between November 26, 2018, and December 11, 2018, as well as on May 10, 2019.
Initially arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweiboo on May 20, 2019, Naira Marley pleaded not guilty. Justice Oweibo granted him bail in the sum of two million naira with two sureties in like sum. Subsequently, trial commenced, with witnesses testifying in the case.
However, due to Justice Oweibo’s transfer out of the Lagos division of the court, the case was reassigned to Justice Dipeolu. On the first appearance before Justice Dipeolu, both the prosecution and defense confirmed the pending application for fiat.
Acknowledging the situation, the court adjourned the case until May 30 for further updates. The EFCC alleges that Naira Marley and his accomplices conspired to use different Access Bank ATM cards to defraud victims and possessed counterfeit credit cards with the intent to defraud, among other offenses.
The charges against Naira Marley contravene various provisions of the Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015. As the legal proceedings await administrative clearance, the trial’s progress remains subject to the approval of the Chief Judge.
