Money Laundering allegations: Court admits CD analysis of Naira Marley’s phone

A Federal High Court in Lagos has admitted in evidence a compact disc (CD) containing expert analysis of the contents of an iPhone allegedly belonging to hip-hop singer Azeez Fashola, popularly called, Naira Marley.

Justice Nicolas Oweibo has admitted the CD tendered in evidence by the 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, pleaded not guilty and is out on bail.

The trial, which has since commenced, resumed on Wednesday, with a ruling given by the judge on whether to admit more evidence against the defendant.

Naira Marley, through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, had opposed the anti-graft agency.

But, Justice Oweibo overruled Mr Ojo’s objection and admitted the CD in evidence, as Exhibit F. In his words, “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.”

But, further hearing could not continue owing to the absence of the lead defence counsel.

EFCC counsel Bilkisu Buhari didn’t oppose the request for adjournment sought by the junior defence counsel, Akinwale Kola-Taiwo.

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 of 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.