The iPhone of music star, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has been admitted in evidence by a federal High Court in Lagos.
In today’s sitting of the court, a compact disc (CD) containing an expert analysis of the contents of his iPhone was admitted in evidence by the trial judge, Justice Nicolas Oweibo.
The CD was tendered in evidence by second prosecution witness Anosike Augustine, on the ground, among others, that the iPhone itself had already been admitted in evidence.
Naira Marley is standing trial on an 11-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and internet fraud preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was arraigned on May 20, 2019, but pleaded not guilty and is out on bail.
Naira Marley, through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, had opposed the anti-graft agency’s attempt to tender more evidence against Naira Marley.
Giving his ruling, Justice Oweibo overruled Ojo’s the objection and admitted the CD in evidence, as Exhibit F.
“l have considered the argument 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 witnesses.
“Accordingly it is hereby admitted in evidence and marked Exhibit F.”
However, further hearing could not continue following Ojo’s absence.
An adjournment sought by his junior Akinwale Kola-Taiwo was not opposed by EFCC counsel Bilkisu Buhari.
Justice Oweibo adjourned 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.