The trial of Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, was stalled on Monday, due to the absence of the judge meant to give a verdict.
Justice Nicholas Owiebo, the trial judge, was reportedly attending a judges’ conference, according to The PUNCH.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Naira Marley on charges bordering on cybercrime.
The street-hop star and owner of Marlian Records was arraigned before Justice Owiebo on May 14, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court later granted him bail in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties in the like sum.
The case has since been tried in court and is still awaiting a judgment.
The last adjourned date was October 30, 2023. On that day, the defense counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), informed the court that the defendant was still absent from court, despite the court’s order for his presence.
The court subsequently postponed the trial until November 13 and 30. Following the judge’s absence today, the trial will now resume on November 30.
Meanwhile the Lagos State Police Command had detained Naira Marley since October 3 for “intensive interrogation” over the death of an artiste, Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as “Mohbad”.
