Naira Marley back in court over alleged fraud

A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the case of Naira Marley, whose real name is Azeez Fashola. The singer, who is the very popular face behind songs like ‘Soapy’, ‘Pxta’, among others, is facing illegal card fraud allegations.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo adjourned the singer’s case in order to allow EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, and Marley’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo SAN, to respond to two pending motions.

The court has not fixed a date for the trial but has asked Naira Marley’s counsel to move his motion.

Marley is being prosecuted by the EFCC on eleven counts of conspiracy, possession of counterfeit cards, and fraud. His co-defendant, Yad Isril, is said to be at large.

The EFCC arrested Naira Marley in May 2019, along with Zlatan and others. He was arraigned in front of Justice Nicholas Oweibo and he pleaded not guilty. Marley was granted a two million Naira bail with two sureties with like sum following an application by his lawyer.

According to the charge, the defendants committed the offenses on different dates ranging from 2018 to 2019.

While Zlatan was released soon after, Marley spent fourteen days before his bail conditions were perfected and he was freed. Shortly after his release, the singer released, ‘Soapy’, a song that he says is about the Nigerian Prison system.

Naira Marley has had a good year with his songs enjoying massive airplay. His fanbase who he refers to as the Marlians swelled, and just this last weekend, Naira Marley joined the likes of Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, and Wizkid to perform at the 02 in London. Videos of his performance took over the internet as people praised him for his dance moves. Wizkid also took to his Twitter page to congratulate Marley for his achievements.

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