Why was Naira Marley’s EFCC Cybercrime Trial Delayed?

The ongoing criminal trial of Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has hit a snag in the Federal High Court of Lagos. The case, which revolves around allegations of cybercrime, has been stalled due to a pending application for fiat before the Chief Judge of the court.

Prosecutor Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari informed Justice Isaac Dipeolu that the application, dated December 8, 2023, seeks permission for the former judge to continue overseeing the trial. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Naira Marley with cybercrime-related offenses, initially brought against him on May 14, 2019.

Naira Marley, known for his hit afrobeat songs, pleaded not guilty when arraigned on May 20, 2019, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo. He was granted bail for N2 million, with two sureties in like sum. The trial had commenced with witnesses being led in evidence, but the transfer of Justice Oweibo from the Lagos division necessitated the case’s move to Justice Dipeolu.

At the first hearing before the new judge, both the prosecution and the defense confirmed the status of the pending fiat application. As a result, Justice Dipeolu has adjourned Naira Marley’s EFCC case until May 30, awaiting further developments.

The EFCC alleges that between November 26, 2018, and December 11, 2018, as well as on May 10, 2019, Fashola and his accomplices used various Access Bank ATM cards to defraud victims. These actions, according to the anti-graft agency, violate sections of the Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015, marking a significant chapter in Naira Marley’s EFCC case.