The EFCC had preferred 11 counts against Azeez Fashola, more popularly refered to as Naira Marley, bordering on conspiracy, possession of counterfeit
The EFCC had preferred 11 counts against Azeez Fashola, more popularly refered to as Naira Marley, bordering on conspiracy, possession of counterfeit cards and fraud. Also mentioned in the charge is one Yad Isril, who is said to still be at large. The Am I a Yahoo Boy singer was arraigned on May 20 before Justice Nicholas Oweibo. He denied the charges.
Following a bail application by defence counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), the court had granted Marley bail in the sum of N2m, with sureties in like sum. The trial of the defendant, which was earlier fixed for Monday, October 21, was adjourned until Tuesday (today).
Trial in the suit could not proceed, following an application by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), the defence counsel. Defence had urged Justice Oweibo to halt proceedings until a motion he filed this morning was determined. In the motion, the defendant prayed the court to compel the EFCC to furnish him with the prosecution’s witnesses’ statements. He prayed the court to hear his motion before the prosecution called its first witness.
But, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo opposed the application for adjournment, noting that the prosecution was not in possession of the required document, and that the defence was not entitled to the statements as of right. In a bench ruling, however, Justice Oweibo granted the request by defence. Ojo moved the motion and, again, Oyedepo opposed him.
After hearing the motion, the court ordered the EFCC to provide the defence with its investigators’ statements, if any. He adjourned trial until October 23.
According to the charge, the defendant allegedly committed the offences on different dates between November 26, December 11, 2018, and May 10, 2019. The charge alleged that Marley and his suspected accomplices conspired to use different Access Bank ATM cards to defraud their victims.
It said that the defendant allegedly used Access Card number 5264711020433662 issued to another person, in a bid to obtain fraudulent financial gains. He was said to have possessed these counterfeit credit cards, belonging to different card holders, with intent to defraud, which also amounted to theft. The offences contravene the provisions of sections 1 23 (1) (b), 27 {1}, 33, 33(9) Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015.
