Justice Nicholas Oweibo of a Federal High Court in Lagos today July 12 adjourned till October 5 (85 days) to continue the alleged internet fraud trial of Afeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley.
Naira Marley is standing trial on an 11-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and internet fraud preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was arraigned on May 20, 2019, pleaded not guilty and is out on bail.
In the charge, the EFCC alleged, among others, that some of the credit cards discovered in Marley’s residence bore the fictitious names Nicole Louise Malyon and Timea Fedorne Tatar. The antigraft agency alleges the items were used in furtherance of internet scams. The commission said the offences contravened the Money Laundering (Prohibition) and the Cyber Crimes Acts.
Since the commencement of his trial, the prosecution has called two witnesses, Nuru Buhari Dalhatu and Augustine Anosike, both EFCC forensic experts.
At the resumption of proceedings today, counsel to the EFCC, Bilkisu Buhari, informed the judge that the matter was slated for cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, Anosike. She prayed the court to invite the witness for the continuation of the hearing.
However, the defence counsel Akinwale Kola-Taiwo, prayed the court for a short date for the continuation of trial on the grounds that “the matter is for mention today and not continuation as disclosed by the prosecution.”
Granting his prayer, Justice Oweibo adjourned the case till October 5, 6 and 7 for continuation of trial. The long adjournment is in view of the court’s annual vacation, which begins on July 26 and ends on September 17 (53 days).