A Federal High Court in Lagos has admitted in evidence a compact disc (CD) containing expert analysis of the contents of an iPhone allegedly found in the possession of hip-hop singer Azeez Fashola, alias Naira Marley.
Justice Nicolas Oweibo on Wednesday admitted the CD 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 who is standing trial on money laundering and internet fraud charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was arraigned on May 20, 2019. He pleaded not guilty and is out on bail.
Trial has since commenced with the court adjourning proceedings till yesterday for ruling on whether to admit more evidence against the artist, as prayed by the EFCC.
Naira Marley, through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, had opposed the anti-graft agency.
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.
The commission alleged that the credit cards discovered, were used in furtherance of internet scams.
It said the offences contravened the Money Laundering (Prohibition) and the Cybercrimes Acts.
In his ruling yesterday, Justice Oweibo said; “l consider the CD to be admissible in view of the nature of this case. Accordingly it is hereby admitted in evidence and marked Exhibit F.”
The court adjourned till March 8 and 11 for continuation of trial.
