Naira Marley’s trial suffers setback

The trial of popular Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, was once again delayed on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The proceedings were postponed as both parties involved are still awaiting the chief judge’s approval of a special fiat, which is necessary for the trial to continue.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is pursuing charges against Fashola for alleged involvement in cyber crime activities. The charges were initially filed on May 14, 2019.

Fashola, who gained fame with his song “Am I a Yahoo Boy,” appeared in court on May 20, 2019, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, where he pleaded not guilty. He was subsequently granted bail set at two million naira, with two sureties of the same amount.

During the trial, as EFCC witnesses were presenting their evidence, Justice Oweibo was reassigned to a different division, leading to the case being handed over to Justice Isaac Dipeolu.

When the case first came before Justice Dipeolu on March 6, both the defense and prosecution acknowledged that a pending fiat from the chief judge was required. Consequently, the judge adjourned the trial until May 30 for an update.

On Thursday, it was revealed that the fiat had still not been approved, resulting in yet another delay. A new date for the trial has not been set.

According to the EFCC, Fashola is accused of committing several offenses between November 26, 2018, and December 11, 2018, as well as on May 10, 2019. The accusations include conspiracy with others to use various Access Bank ATM cards to defraud individuals, using a credit card issued to another person for fraudulent financial gains, and possessing counterfeit credit cards with the intent to defraud.

These alleged actions violate Sections 1 23 (1) (b), 27 (1), and 33(9) of the Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015.