‘Cyber fraud’: Court admits more evidence in Naira Marley’s trial

A federal high court sitting in Lagos has admitted an optical disc in evidence in the ongoing trial of Naira Marley, a Nigerian singer, for alleged cyber fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on May 14, 2019, charged the singer with 11 counts bordering on conspiracy, possession of counterfeit credit cards and fraud.

NAN reports that during Marley’s trial on Wednesday, Nicholas Oweibo, the judge, admitted the evidence which is a CD containing phone analysis of the defendant tendered through the witness.

The court admitted the evidence on the grounds that the iPhone which was analysed had already been admitted in evidence before the court.

The development had come after the court overruled an objection by Olalekan Ojo, Marley’s counsel, challenging the evidence against his client.

“l have considered the agreement of both parties as well as the ground for the objection, I consider the C.D to be admissible in view of the nature of this case and the evidence of other prosecution witness,” the judge held.

“Accordingly, it is hereby admitted in evidence and marked exhibit F.”

The trial, however, could not continue as the defence counsel had sought an adjournment.

Oweibo thereafter adjourned the continuation of the trial till March 8 and 11 respectively since Bilkisu Buhari, the prosecution counsel, did not oppose the request by the singer’s lawyer.

The EFCC had alleged that the ‘Tesumole’ crooner and his accomplices conspired to use different Access Bank ATM cards to defraud their victims.

It had also alleged that the defendant used Access Bank credit card number 5264711020433662, issued to another person, in a bid to obtain fraudulent financial gains.

The EFCC said that he possessed counterfeit credit cards belonging to different people with intent to defraud which amounted to theft.

The anti-graft agency also disclosed that the offense, contravened the provisions of sections 123 (1) (b), 27 (1) and 33(9) of Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015.

The singer, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges when he was arraigned on May 20, 2019.