A Federal High Court in Lagos will on Oct. 23 begin the trial of popular Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola a.k.a Naira Marley, facing fraud charges, PM news reports.
Anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had preferred an 11-count charge against the musician bordering on conspiracy, possession of counterfeit cards, and fraud.
The “Jo Soapy” crooner, was arraigned on May 20 before Justice Nicholas Oweibo but denied the charges. Following a bail application by defence counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, (SAN), the court had granted Fashola bail in the sum of N2 million with sureties in like sum.
The trial of the defendant, which was earlier fixed for Monday, has now been shifted to Oct. 22 (tomorrow) as the court did not sit. However, both the defence and prosecution counsel were present and seen in the court’s premises.
According to the charge, the defendant allegedly committed the offences on different dates between Nov. 26, 2018, Dec.11, 2018, and May 10.