Naira marley court news
You're referring to the court case involving Nigerian musician Naira Marley!
For those who may not know, Naira Marley was arrested in May 2019 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged cybercrime and fraud. He was accused of being involved in a series of fraud cases, including identity theft and credit card fraud.
Here's a brief summary of the court proceedings:
Initial Arrest and Charges: Naira Marley was arrested on May 10, 2019, at the Ikeja Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, after arriving from the United Kingdom. He was charged with 11 counts of fraud, including credit card fraud, identity theft, and possession of stolen credit card information.
Court Proceedings: Naira Marley's case was initially heard at the Federal High Court in Lagos, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyer, Olusegun Jolaawo, argued that the evidence against his client was weak and that the charges were baseless.
Bail Application: Naira Marley was granted bail in June 2019, with a condition that he would surrender his international passport and report to the EFCC every two weeks.
New Charges: In October 2019, the EFCC filed new charges against Naira Marley, including money laundering and conspiracy to commit fraud. The new charges were based on evidence obtained from his phone and laptop, which allegedly contained stolen credit card information and other fraudulent materials.
Trial: The trial began in November 2019, with Naira Marley's lawyer arguing that the new charges were an attempt to intimidate and harass his client. The prosecution presented evidence, including testimony from witnesses and forensic analysis of Naira Marley's phone and laptop.
Verdict: In May 2020, the court delivered its verdict, finding Naira Marley guilty of 11 counts of fraud, including credit card fraud, identity theft, and possession of stolen credit card information. He was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment, with an option of fine.
Appeal: Naira Marley's lawyers appealed the verdict, arguing that the trial was unfair and that the evidence against their client was weak. The appeal is still pending.
It's worth noting that Naira Marley has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, claiming that he was framed and that the charges against him are baseless. The case has sparked controversy and debate in Nigeria, with some people calling for his release and others supporting the EFCC's efforts to combat fraud.