Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, has issued a production warrant against controversial Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley.
According to a statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, Naira Marley is being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency on 11-count charges bordering on conspiracy and credit card fraud.
“At the resumed sitting on Friday, counsel to the defendant, Olalekan Ojo, SAN informed the court that the defendant was unavoidably absent from court owing to his being detained by the Police for interrogation in respect of the murder of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad.
“Ojo, therefore, prayed the court for an adjournment of the trial.
“Responding, prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, however, prayed the court to issue a production warrant against the defendant to ensure his presence in court on the next adjourned date.
“Justice Oweibo granted the prayers of the prosecution counsel and issued a production warrant against the defendant.
“The judge further adjourned the matter till October 30, 2023 for continuation of trial,” EFCC stated.
By implication, Naira Marley, who is currently in the custody of Lagos State Police Command over his alleged role in the circumstances surrounding the death of another singer, IleriOluwa Aloba, a.k.a Mohbad, will barring last-minute change, appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on October 30.
LEADERSHIP reports that a Production Warrant is a warrant issued when a trial judge needs an accused, who is already in custody of the government. The trial judge issues warrant on the authority with whom the accused person is under custody of, to produce him or her before the court.
