COVID-19: Naira Marley arraigned in court over Abuja concert (updated)

Azeez Fashola, a singer better known as Naira Marley, has been arraigned before the Lagos state special offences court at Oshodi over violation of COVID-19 regulations.

The controversial musician was earlier detained by the state police for flouting movement restrictions following a concert staged in Abuja in June.

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.

In April, Marley was detained alongside Funke Akindele, a Nollywood actress, after the latter hosted a house party that the former attended, despite Lagos’ lockdown measures at the time.

The charges against him were, however, withdrawn following his apology to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, where he promised to abide by all government measures thereafter.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