Naira Marley: Court Admits Crybercrime Evidence Against Music Star

The trial of musician Azeez Fashola also known as Naira Marley continued on Wednesday, as Justice Nicolas Oweibo, of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos admitted in evidence a compact disc (CD) containing expert analysis of contents of an iPhone 11 retrieved from the singer.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filled an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering and internet fraud against Naira Marley.

Justice Oweibo admitted the CD in evidence after the second prosecution witness Anosike Augustine tendered it in. Anosike is a mobile forensic expert with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Counsel to Naira Marley, Olalekan Ojo, SAN objected to the admissibility of the evidence. However, in his ruling, Justice Oweibo overruled Ojo’s objection and admitted the CD in evidence, as Exhibit F.

“l have considered the agreement of both parties as well as the ground for the objection. I consider the CD to be admissible in view of the nature of this case and the evidence of another prosecution witness. Accordingly, I hereby admit it in evidence and mark it Exhibit F.”

However, the further hearing could not continue following Ojo’s absence. An adjournment sought by his junior Akinwale Kola-Taiwo was not opposed by EFCC counsel Bilkisu Buhari.

Justice Oweibo had adjourned till March 8 and 11 for the continuation of trial. f

Written by Olusola Oluwatobi