The criminal trial of Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, faced a setback on Wednesday as the proceedings could not continue before a Federal High Court in Lagos. The trial judge, Justice Isaac Dipeolu, was informed by the prosecutor, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, that an application for fiat to enable the former judge to continue with the trial of the defendant is pending approval by the Chief Judge (CJ) of the court.
The application, dated December 8, 2023, is awaiting approval from the CJ of the court, leading to a delay in the trial process. Naira Marley is facing charges of cybercrime brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 14, 2019.
Fashola, who rose to fame with the hit song “Am I a Yahoo Boy?” pleaded not guilty when arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweiboo on May 20, 2019. Justice Oweibo had granted him bail in the sum of two million naira with two sureties in like sum. The trial had commenced under Justice Oweibo but was transferred to Justice Dipeolu following the former judge’s transfer out of the Lagos division of the court.
Naira Marley’s defense counsel, Mr. V.C. Maduagwu, was also present in court on Wednesday. Despite the delay in proceedings, both parties are ready to continue with the trial once the application for fiat is approved by the CJ of the court.
The new trial date has been adjourned pending the CJ’s decision on the application. The case sheds light on the complexities of legal proceedings and the need for proper approvals and authorizations in the Nigerian judicial system.
