The anticipated verdict in the cybercrime trial of popular street-hop artiste Azeez Fashola, famously known as Naira Marley, faced a setback as the Federal High Court in Lagos could not convene on Monday.
News About Nigeria gathered that the absence of the trial judge, Justice Nicholas Owiebo, who reportedly attended a judges’ conference, resulted in the postponement of the proceedings.
Naira Marley is facing charges related to cybercrime, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuting him since May 14, 2019.
The artiste, renowned for popularizing the street lingo ‘Am I a yahoo boy’, pleaded not guilty when arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweibo on May 20, 2019.
The court had granted Naira Marley bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties of the same amount.
The trial has been ongoing, but Justice Oweibo’s absence on Monday caused a delay.
Justice Oweibo had previously issued a production warrant for Naira Marley’s appearance following his absence from the trial on October 6.
The order resulted from an application for a production warrant by the prosecution led by Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari.
It’s worth noting that Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, were detained by the Lagos State Police Command in connection with the death of artist Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as ‘Mohbad’.
During the last adjourned date on October 30, defence counsel Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN) informed the court about the defendant’s continued absence, despite the court’s order for his production.
The case has been adjourned to November 13 and 30 for the continuation of the trial.
