A Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, presided by Justice Nicholas Oweibo has admited a compact disc presented as evidence of credit card fraud against popular musician, Naira Marley.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, on 11 counts charge bordering on conspiracy and credit card fraud.
In a statement issued by the commission’s Head of Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, on Wednesday, EFCC said Marley is facing charges of conspiracy and credit card fraud.
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But the popular musician however pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
The Commission said on February 28, 2020, through its second witness, Augustine Anosike, it sought to tender in evidence a compact disc containing information, analysis and extractions from the defendant’s iPhone.
But the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo SAN, had objected to its admissibility.
However, delivering ruling on wednesday, Justice Oweibo dismissed the objection, maintaining that “the disk and investigation report include some of the contents extracted from the iPhone which has already been admitted in evidence”.
As a result, the trial judge admitted the evidence as Exhibit F.
The prosecuting counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to continue with the case as the witness was in court to continue with his testimony.
However,Akinwale Kole-Taiwo, who appeared for the defence, pleaded with the court for an adjournment because, “the lead counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN was in Edo for another matter”.
Following the appeal, Justice Oweibo adjourned till March 8 and 11, 2021 for continuation of hearing.