By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Justice Nicolas Oweibo of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday admitted in evidence a compact disc (CD) containing expert analysis of the contents of an iPhone which allegedly belongs to a hip-hop singer, Azeez Fashola, otherwise known as Naira Marley.
The judge admitted the CD tendered in evidence by the second prosecution witness (PW2) Anosike Augustine, on the ground that the iPhone itself had already been admitted in evidence, among others.
Naira Marley is standing trial on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering and internet fraud preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was arraigned on May 20, 2019, pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail.
Trial has since commenced with the court adjourning proceedings till Wednesday for ruling on whether to admit more evidence against the defendant.
Marley, through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo, (SAN), had opposed the application by the Commission seeking to tender more evidence not in proof of evidence.
In his ruling on Wednesday, 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 other prosecution witness.
“Accordingly it is hereby admitted in evidence and marked Exhibit F.”
However, further hearing could not continue due to Ojo’s absence from court.
Consequently, an adjournment sought by Ojo’s junior, Akinwale Kola-Taiwo, was not opposed by EFCC counsel Bilkisu Buhari.
Justice Oweibo adjourned the case till March 8 and 11 for continuation of trial.
In the charge, the EFCC alleged, among others, that some of the credit cards discovered in Marley’s residence bore the fictitious names Nicole Louise Malyon and Timea Fedorne Tatar.
These, it indicated, were used in furtherance of internet scams.
The Commission said the offences contravened the Money Laundering (Prohibition) and the Cyber Crimes Acts.
