A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has issued a production warrant for singer/rapper Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley.
The warrant, issued by Justice Nicholas Oweibo, ordered that Naira Marley be produced in court to resume his trial for alleged cybercrime-related offences.
Meanwhile, the “Soapy” singer arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday following a police invitation.
The invitation was in connection with the death of his estranged one-time label signee, Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
The next day, a Sabo, Yaba, Chief Magistrate’s Court granted the police an order to detain him in their custody for 21 days.
But the detention meant he could not honour his court date for the resumption of his already four-year prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged economic crime.
When the case resumed yesterday before Justice Oweibo, the defendant was absent.
The singer’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), informed the judge that Naira Marley was in police custody in connection with Mohbad’s death.
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He prayed the court to issue a production warrant for the defendant so that he could be produced in court on the next adjourned day.
EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari confirmed the state of affairs, adding that efforts were underway to ensure his attendance on the next date. She did not oppose Ojo’s application.
Consequently, Justice Oweibo issued the warrant and adjourned till October 30, 2023, for continuation of trial.
According to the EFCC, Naira Marley committed the offences on different dates between November 26, 2018, and December 11, 2018, as well as May 10, 2019.
In the charge it filed before the court, the agency alleged that Naira Marley and one Raze (still at large), on or about December 11, 2018, conspired to use an Access card 42658840359191132 issued to persons other than him in furtherance of internet scams.
It was also alleged that Naira Marley and Raze on or about May 10, 2019, with intent to defraud, possessed a counterfeit card 4921819410257431 issued to one Timea Fedorne Tatar and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 33(9) of Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act
He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
