Naira Marley’s cybercrime fraud case stalled over judge’s absence

The trial of singer Naira Marley at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos was stalled on Monday following the absence of the judge.

The judge Nicholas Owiebo was said to be attending a judges’ conference.

The musician is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 11-count charges bordering on conspiracy and credit card fraud.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo adjourned the case on Monday following the absence of Naira Marley from the court on October 30.

The Commission preferred the charges on May 14, 2019, but the court granted him bail in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties in like sum.

The EFCC alleged that Naira Marley and his accomplices conspired to use different Access Bank ATM cards to defraud their victims.

The trial has since commenced in the case and is still ongoing.

Recall that the police in Lagos had detained Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, in connection with the death of Nigerian artiste, Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

However, when the case was called on Monday, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN) informed the court that Naira Marley was still clearly absent from his trial, in spite of the court’s order for his production.

In his response, the prosecutor told the court that although she had prayed the court for a production warrant of the defendant, he was still absent.

The court consequently adjourned the case until Nov. 13 and 30 for the continuation of the trial.

Naira Marley and Sam Larry were, however, granted bail on Monday, November 6 with three responsible duties.