Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a production warrant for Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola better known as Naira Marley.
Gatekeepers News reports that the warrant is related to his ongoing trial in a cyber fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
A production warrant is a temporary order directing that an accused person or defendant be brought to court to answer to a charge.
Naira Marley faces an 11-count charge of conspiracy and credit card fraud.
During the resumed sitting today, counsel to the defendant, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, explained Naira Marley’s unavoidable absence as the singer was detained by the police for interrogation regarding the murder of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad.
As a result, the defense requested an adjournment.
The prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, in response, asked the court to issue a production warrant to ensure Naira Marley’s presence in court on the next scheduled date.
Justice Oweibo granted the request and adjourned the case until October 30, 2023, for the continuation of the trial.
Naira Marley was initially arraigned by the EFCC in May 2019 on charges related to money laundering and internet fraud.
The anti-graft agency said the offences were committed on different dates between Nov. 26, 2018 and Dec.11, 2018, as well as May 10, 2019.
The commission alleged that Naira Marley and his accomplices conspired to use different Access Bank ATM cards to defraud their victims.
The EFCC also said that the defendant possessed and used counterfeit credit cards belonging to different people, with intent to defraud others.
The alleged offences are said to contravene the provisions of Sections 1 23 (1) (b), 27 (1) and 33(9) of Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015.
Before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, Naira Marley pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of two million naira with two sureties in like sum.
