Bisina SomtoThe legal saga surrounding Nigerian artist Azeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, hit a block as the criminal trial proceedings could not move forward at a Federal High Court in Lagos.
This pause was due to a pending application awaiting approval from the Chief Judge of the court. Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, the prosecutor in the case, informed Justice Isaac Dipeolu, the trial judge, about the application seeking fiat to enable the former judge to continue presiding over the defendant’s trial.
This application, dated December 8, 2023, awaits the CJ’s approval. Naira Marley faces charges related to cybercrime, brought forward by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 14, 2019.
He gained notoriety for his song “Am I a yahoo boy”. Despite his plea of not guilty after his arraignment on May 20, 2019, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, he was granted bail of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
The trial began under Justice Oweibo, but due to his transfer out of the Lagos division, the case was reassigned to Justice Dipeolu. While proceedings were underway and witnesses testified, the transition to a new judge caused delays.
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During the initial hearing before Justice Dipeolu, Buhari represented the prosecution, while Mr. V.C. Maduagwu represented the defendant. Both sides confirmed the pending application for fiat to the court.
The EFCC alleges that between November 26, 2018, and December 11, 2018, as well as on May 10, 2019, Naira Marley and his associates conspired to defraud victims using various Access Bank ATM cards. These actions purportedly contravene sections of the Cybercrime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015.
As the legal proceedings stall awaiting administrative processes, the case has been adjourned until May 30 for a progress report.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
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