The Federal High Court in Lagos adjourned until November 13 and 30 2023, the continuation of trial of Nigerian artiste Azeez Fashola a.k.a Naira Marley charged with cyber-crime on Monday, 30 October 2023.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo adjourned the case due to the defendant’s absence in court. Also, it was reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendant on cyber-crime charges.

The charges were made against him by the anti-graft agency on May 14, 2019. Naira Marley was arraigned on May 20, 2019 before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, but he pleaded not guilty.

More so, the court granted him the sum of two million naira as bail and two sureties. Trial has commenced and still ongoing. On Monday, 6 October 2023, Justice Oweibo issued a warrant for the appearance of the defendant following his absence from trial on the last date.

It was recalled that Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry were detained by the Lagos Police in relation to the death of Nigerian singer, Oladimeji Aloba, known as “Mohbad”.

On Monday, when the case was called, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN) notified the court of the defendant’s absence from trial despite the courts’ order for his appearance.

The Prosecutor responding told the court that she prayed the court’s for a production warrant of the defendant, yet he is still absent.

“My lord, at the last adjourned date, we prayed for a production warrant and the court granted same, however, the defendant is still not produced. We pray for a further date in order to follow up with the police,” she said.

Read Also: OSIMHEN IN FITNESS RACE FOR AFCON 2023

The court adjourned the case until 13 and 30 November 2023 for continuation of trial. The EFCC stated that the crimes were committed at different dates by the defendant between 26 November 2018, 11 December 2018, and, 10 May 2019.

The alleged offences contravene the provisions of Sections 1 23(1) (b), 27 (1), and 33(9) of Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015.