Just in: Naira Marley granted N2m bail by Federal High Court

Nigeria rapper, Azeez Fashola AKA Naira Marley has been granted bail by the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi in the sum of 2 million naira.

The singer was arrested some weeks ago with the EFCC leveling 11 charges against him some days later.

At the resumed bail application, his lead defense counsel Olalekan Ojo apologized for his absence at the initial arraignment on May 20 due to heavy down pour.

Ojo urged the court to accept the bail application Prima Facie based on the presumption of his innocence in accordance with Section 162 (1)

The defense also pleaded that a liberal approach is taken in hearing the bail application.

The prosecution counsel, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, however, argued that the final judgement was important than temporary release and so urged the court to enable accelerated hearing. 

He also said that as the the defendant’s lawyer had pointed out, he was a celebrity and hence his actions would affect a lot of the youth. 

Justice Nicholas Oweibo who presided over the bail hearing after listening to the defense and prosecution arguments granted the singer bail.

Naira Marley must provide Two Million Naira (2,000,000) bond, and two sureties, one with a landed property and the other, a Civil Servant, not lower than a level officer. He is to remain in custody until these terms are met.

The trial has been adjourned to 22nd, 23rd and 24th of October for accelerated hearing.

READ: I was your fan before I started music – Zlatan Ibile pens emotional tribute to Naira Marley(video)