EFCC presses crime charges against Naira Marley, secures jail for two fraudsters
By Samuel Ogunsona
Nigeria Musician Afeez Fashola Popularly known as Naira Marley is to appear in court on fraud charges come October 5
This new date was fixed on Monday by Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State.
The artist was arraigned back in 2019 on 11 counts of bank card fraud by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) that slammed 11 charges on him.
Fashola pleaded innocence to any of the 11 crimes
The prosecution had earlier called on two witnesses and forensic expect, Nuru Dalhatu and Augustine Anosike.
Two witnesses said Naira Marley was deeply involved in stolen credit cards which he sold to criminals.
A statement by the anti-graft agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren made available to Irohinoodua said the witnesses provided evidence from the defendant mobile device.
He said, “At the resumed sitting today (Monday), the prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, informed the court that the matter was slated for cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, Anosike, and also urged the court to call on the witness for the continuation of the hearing.
“However, counsel for the defendant, Akinwale Kola-Taiwo, asked the court for a short date on the grounds that the matter was for mention and not continuation as disclosed by the prosecution.
“Justice Oweibo granted the prayer of the defence and adjourned the matter till October 5, 6 and 7 for continuation of trial.”
In a related event, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the High Court in Benin City, Edo State, sentenced two internet fraudsters to prison.
Uuwjaren said both Idoko Onakpa and Kennedy were arraigned on charges of impersonation.
