Upon arrival at the court premises at 9:46, the proceedings could not start due to the absence of the lead defense counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN).
The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday ordered that Nigeria singer, Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, be remanded in prison until May 30th when the hearing of his bail application will take place.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo presided over the arraignment.
Naira Marley was charged to court at the behest of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 11 count charge bordering on cybercrime, possession of counterfeit cards and conspiracy to obtain gain.
After the 11 charges were read to him, he pleaded 'not guilty'.
Proceedings
The arraignment which was scheduled to start by 9:00am was delayed for some minutes due to the late arrival of Naira Marley and bad weather.
Upon arrival at the court premises at 9:46, the proceedings could not start due to the absence of the lead defense counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN).
The prosecuting counsel led by Rotimi Oyedepo prayed that the musician be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing of bail application.
Following this proceeding, the defense counsel represented by Taiwo Oreagba, passed on an application for a bail and a need for the defendant to remain in EFCC custody.
After hearing from both sides, the Justice Oweibo concluded that the application for bail will be looked into on the 30th of May, 2019.
Mild Drama
A visibly shaken woman which SaharaReporters confirm to be Naira Marley's mother burst into tears on sighting her son when he arrived in company of the EFCC.
After the proceedings, she again became teary, shivering as the EFCC handed him over to Prison Officials to be detained until the 30th of May, 2019.
Back Story
On the 10th of May, in an early morning raid, the EFCC arrested musician, Naira Marley, Zlatan Ibile and three other over their alleged connection to advanvce fee fraud.
READ BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Musician Naira Marley
Few days after their arrest and intense grilling, Zlatan Ibile and two others regained their freedom with inside sources confirming to SaharaReporters that they were freed on administrative bail and will report to the EFCC office every morning.
READ UPDATE: Zlatan Ibile, Two Others Walk Free As EFCC Hangs On To Naira Marley
Zlatan Ibile on the 19th of May, released a single titled '4 Days In Okotie Eboh' in which he called out 'fake friends' who turned their backs on him after he was arrested.
READ Days After Release From EFCC Custody, Zlatan Ibile Drops Single '4 Days In Okotie Eboh'