Naira Marley in prison: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal office, on May 20, 2019 arraigned a Nigerian artiste, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, before Justice Nicholas I. Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on an 11-count charge bordering on cybercrime…however, www.e-nigeriang.combrings you 10 stand out things that happened to Naira Marley in court.
- Commando entry
As if in a commando style Naira Marley was escorted in by men of the EFCC amidst a watertight security. Again, all road leading to the courtroom was protected as only the legal team and a few journalists who granted access to the courtroom.
- How he pleaded
Visibly emotional and looking apprehensive, are some ways to best describe Naira Marley’s countenance as he was docked before Justice Oweibe in the presence of the defense and prosecuting counsels. He pleaded not guilty all the 11 count charges read to him by the court registrar.
- Both counsels argue
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo told the judge to remand Naira Marley in prison custody as its due process in cases like that, but the defense counsel, Taiwo Oluwa Ore-Agba objected. She argued that her client remains in the custody of the EFCC as a first-time offender.
The prosecuting counsel also expressed his fear over Naira Marley’s bail conditions since he is a flight risk.
- Prosecuting counsel tried a fast one
Prosecuting counsel tried to play a fast one. He apparently wanted frustrate the idea picking a particular trial date, which will possibly see Naira Marley spending more time in detention, however an intense argument ensued with the defense counsel insisting otherwise. the judge advised the prosecuting counsel not to pressurize him as he would set a date for a trial when the time is appropriate. He then set Thursday May 30, 2019, for the application for bail. He then concluded that Naira Marley should be remanded in prisons custody.
- Friends and family turned up
Outside the courtroom were a marmot crowd of sympathizers which included family members and friends of Naira Marley.
From his friends to close family members, everyone wanted to get a close glimpse of the music star as he was being moved to by the security details to a bus waiting to move him to the unidentified prison.
- None of Naira Marley’s colleagues in sight:
Exactly! None of Naira Marley’s professional colleagues were in sight at the court premises. Recall that some them, including Olamide, Zlatan Ibile, Davido and others were all over social media clamouring for his unconditional release, however, they weren’t present to give him moral support.
- Accelerated hearing:
Counsel to the defendant, Taiwo Oluwa Ore- Agba, asked the court for a date to hear the bail application on behalf his client as well as an accelerated trial, to which the court adhered.
- Naira Marley’s mom wept:
As pointed out earlier, none of Marley’s colleagues in the music industry were present in court, only a few of his friends and independent sympathizers. His mom, Mrs. Fashola was seen all over the place looking disturbed and ravaged by the whole scenario playing out. Also, in hand were some of his relatives. Mrs. Fashola however busted into tears immediately the EFCC handed her son over to the prison warders who led him straight to the court cell where other inmates are kept before being transferred to prison.
- Adjournment:
Consequently, Justice Oweibo adjourned the case to May 30, 2019 and ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing of the bail application. Naira Marley was remanded in Ikoyi Prison.
- Naira Marley’s road to jail
As its customary of lawyers, even in a very bad situation, they may not open up to portray the real picture. Again, considering that the EFCC Prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo is a SAN(Senior advocate of Nigeria) and a very smart lawyer who has successfully convicted more than 200 criminals from internet fraudsters to oil thieves and other related crime, one wonders if Naira Marley stands a chance with a less popular lawyer who is probably inexperienced in trial. However, whether or not she is popular, Naira Marley’s case may eventually shoot Taiwo Oluwa Ore-Agba to limelight if and only if she floors Rotimi Oyedepo in trial. But if she doesn’t, Naira may risk 7 years or more in prison eventually.
(E-NIGERIA)
