The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered a reproduction warrant for Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, to be produced in court on the next adjourned date. This decision was made after the defendant was absent from court and his counsel explained that he had been taken into police custody for questioning regarding the death of another artist, known as Mohbad. The Economic and Financial Crime Commission’s prosecuting counsel confirmed that Naira Marley was indeed in police custody and efforts were being made to secure his attendance in court. The trial will continue on October 30, 2023 if Naira Marley is still in police custody.
Naira Marley is facing charges related to cybercrime. The charges allege that he conspired with another individual, Raze, to use an access card issued to someone else in order to obtain a financial gain, which is a violation of the Cyber Crimes Act of 2015. Additionally, it is alleged that Naira Marley and Raze possessed a counterfeit card issued to another person with the intent to defraud, which is also a violation of the same act. Raze is currently still at large.
The court’s decision to issue a reproduction warrant demonstrates the importance of Naira Marley’s presence during the trial. It is hoped that this warrant will ensure his attendance in court for the next adjourned date, allowing the trial to proceed. However, it remains to be seen whether Naira Marley will still be in police custody at that time or if any further developments will impact the proceedings.