Naira Marley docked for breaching COVID-19 protocol

OSHODI, Lagos, Nigeria – Nigeria’s current rave of moment Azeez Fashola, bette known as known as Naira Marley, has been arraigned before the Lagos state special offences court at Oshodi over violation of COVID-19 regulations.

Naira Marley  was earlier detained by the state police for staging a concert at Jabi Mall, Abuja despite the lockdown imposed by  Lagos State and  the Federal Government as part of efforts to slow down the spread of Coronavirus.  

This is the second time that Naira Marley would be detained for breaching COVID-19 protocol. The first time, it was connected with his appearance at the birthday bash of Nollywood superstar, Funke Akindele.

On Thursday, Bala Elkana, a spokesperson of the state police command, told reporters that the singer was charged for violating the COVID-19 order banning interstate travels, which was — at that time — put in place to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“He is arraigned alongside his Manager Seyi Awouga ‘f’ on one count charge of breach of cessation of movement and interstates travel order made by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Regulation 4(i) of the Lagos State Infectious Disease Emergency Prevention) Regulation No 2 of 2020 and committed an offence punishable under Section 58 Public Health Law, Ch. P16, Laws of Lagos State 2015,” he said.

The two accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge and were awarded a fine of one hundred thousand naira each by the presiding magistrate.

The charges against him were, however, withdrawn following his apology to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, where he promised to abide by all government measures thereafter.

“I hereby apologize to the governor and the good people of Lagos in any manner that I violated the social distancing regulations and stay at home order of the president,” the apology had read in part.

“I undertake to observe, obey, and fully comply with all regulations and directive of the president and governor on the social distancing that seek to curb the read of coronavirus in Nigeria.”