Nigeria, Dec. 31 -- The counsel representing musician Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley in an alleged car theft case on Tuesday told a Lagos magistrate that his client was out of the country and therefore could not appear in court.

Ayodeji Awokulehin pleaded with Chief Magistrate Tajudeen Elias not to issue an arrest warrant for his client.

Naira Marley and his brothers and cousin are charged with alleged car theft.

The singer and his co-defendants - Idris Fashola, 18; Babatunde Fashola, 24; and Kunle Obere, 22 - are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, assault, and obstructing the arrest of Naira Marley.

At the last court hearing, Mr Elias directed the police prosecutor to ensure Naira Marley's ap...