Funke Busari, Lagos
Trial of Azeez Fashola also known as Naira Marley continued on Wednesday with Justice Nicholas Oweibo of a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos admitting more evidence against the defendant.
Recall that Naira Marley is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on 11 counts charge, bordering on conspiracy and credit card fraud, which he denied.
Prior to today’s trial, the anti-graft Commission had on February 28, 2020, through its second witness, Augustine Anosike, sought to tender in evidence a compact disc containing information, analysis and extractions from the defendant’s iPhone.
But defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN had objected to its admissibility, which the prosecution opposed.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Oweibo dismissed the objection, noting that “the disk and investigation report include some of the contents extracted from the iPhone which has already been admitted in evidence”.
Then he admitted the evidence as Exhibit F.
Upon the judge’s admittance of the exhibit, prosecuting counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to continue with the case as the witness was in court to continue with his testimony.
Defence Counsel who held brief for Olalekan Ojo, SAN, Akinwale Kole-Taiwo appealed with the Court for an adjournment as the lead counsel was said to be in Edo for another matter.
Justice Oweibo adjourned till March 8 and 11, 2021 for further hearing.
