The 10th prosecution witness in the trial of Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, Dein Whyte, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revealed to Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, details about fraudulent transactions linked to credit card information found on the singer’s device.
This information was disclosed in a statement posted by the agency on their official account on Friday.
Whyte, the witness led by prosecution counsel Bilikisu Buhari, mentioned, “During the investigation, forensic analysis identified malicious programs used to unlawfully obtain credit card details on the device seized from the defendant upon arrest.” These programs enabled transactions without the physical card being present.
Additionally, the investigator pointed out tools on the device that masked the user’s location while connected to the internet.
Further detailing, Whyte added, “Tools were found on the defendant’s device to verify credit card details’ validity, activity, accuracy, and the issuing region. Analysis also uncovered websites accessed on the defendant’s computer, including those involved in illegal credit card information trading.”
The witness revealed that both the phone and laptop recovered from Naira Marley were registered under his name, credentials, and email address. Investigations revealed the singer exchanged credit card details with others. Notably, Visa reported one card for fraudulent activity, although Whyte clarified that these card details on the defendant’s device were not his and were not issued by any financial institution.
During cross-examination by the defendant’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, Whyte confirmed that Visa’s investigation flagged the card for fraudulent transactions. However, Visa didn’t directly link the credit card fraud to the defendant’s device, emphasizing Visa’s role as a payment platform, not a telecommunications company.
Justice Oweibo adjourned the case to March 6 and 7, 2024, for further proceedings.
Naira Marley faces an 11-count charge, including conspiracy and credit card fraud, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
