“Naira Marley not in Nigeria” – Lawyer tells court hours after the singer held a Lagos concert

The counsel representing musician Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley in an alleged car theft case on Tuesday, told a Lagos magistrate that his client was out of the country and therefore could not appear in court. He told the court this just hours after his client held a sold-out concert at the Eko Hotel and Suites. Meanwhile, the musician’s brothers and cousin were in court with the concert’s gate pass wrapped conspicuously around their wrists.

Naira Marley and his brothers and cousin are charged with alleged car theft. The singer and his co-defendants – Idris Fashola, 18; Babatunde Fashola, 24; and Kunle Obere, 22 – are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, assault, and obstructing the arrest of Naira Marley.

At the last court hearing, Mr Elias directed the police prosecutor to ensure Naira Marley’s appearance at the next adjourned date. Ayodeji Awokulehin pleaded with Chief Magistrate Tajudeen Elias not to issue an arrest warrant for his client.

On Tuesday, after the defendants were called to the dock, the magistrate asked Mr Awokulehin why his client was not in court.
“I made an order that Azeez Fashola should be in court today, where is he?”
Responding, Mr Awokulehin informed the court that his client was currently not in the country.

The magistrate said the lawyer’s excuse for his client’s absence is unacceptable. “You are aware the case is coming up today so why will you travel? ”

The magistrate then ordered that a “broad warrant of arrest form” be brought to him. But Mr Awokulehin pleaded earnestly with the magistrate, saying an arrest warrant would not be necessary and assuring that his client would be available on the next adjourned date.

The magistrate then ordered that Naira Marley be produced in court instead of a bench warrant. A bench warrant would be issued for the rapper’s arrest if he fails to appear before the court on January 14, 2020.