Admin l Thursday, May 30, 2019
IKOYI, Lagos – After about two weeks in prison, rap artiste, Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley today regained freedom. He was granted bail in the sum of N2 million by Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi Lagos.
When the matter came up for hearing, lead defense counsel to Naira Marley, Mr. Olalekan Ojo(SAN) apologized for his absence at the initial arraignment on May 20 due to heavy down poor. He urged the court to accept the bail based on the presumption of his innocence in accordance with Section 162 (1)
Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes(EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo, however, argued that it is not the temporary release of the singer that mattered but the final judgment. He urged the court to grant accelerated hearing rather than bail.
He averred that since the defendant is a celebrity, his actions and inactions have a multiplier effect on youths in the entire federation.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo then granted the singer bail to the sum of two million naira, two sureties and adjourned to 22, 23 and 24 of October for accelerated hearing.
