Trial of popular artiste, Azeez Fashola, a.k.a Naira Marley before a Federal High Court, Lagos was stalled on Tuesday.
This is due to the absence of a prosecution witness, Mr Augustine Anosike on Tuesday, said to be away ‘in his village’.
Anosike, a forensic analyst, is testifying as a second prosecution witness in the case.
As ‘The Nation’ reports, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendant on charges bordering on cybercrime.
The musician, who sang the popular song: “Am I a yahoo boy”, was consequently, arraigned on May 20, 2019, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, but he pleaded not guilty.
The court had accordingly, granted him bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
It adds that trial had since commenced in the case and the second prosecution witness who concluded his examination in chief on Oct. 27, was scheduled for cross-examination on Tuesday.
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When the case was called, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo announced appearance for the prosecution, while Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN) appeared for the defendant.
Oyedepo informed the court that his witness was unavoidably absent on what he termed “compassionate grounds.”
He added that the witness is currently in his village, and urged the court to graciously grant an adjournment for Dec.14.
In response, defence counsel told the court that, “ it was rather unfortunate that the matter could not proceed today, the prosecution ought to have given sufficient notice of the witness’ absence.”
