Court reopens Jabi mall — 10 days after closure over Naira Marley’s concert

A federal capital territory (FCT) magistrate court has ordered the reopening of Jabi Lake Mall, which was sealed 10 days ago after it hosted a concert by Naira Marley, a controversial singer.

On June 14, Idayat Akanni, the magistrate, had directed the closure of the shopping mall for violating the government’s directive aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.

But in her ruling on Tuesday, the magistrate held that activities can now resume at the mall, adding that the management has shown remorse for disobeying the COVID-19 restrictions order.

Akanni, however, ordered the management to publish an apology to the government in the national dailies for violating the coronavirus guidelines.

She said her decision was due to the application filed by Nnamdi Ekwem, the defence counsel, asking the court to rescind its earlier order.

The magistrate explained that her judgement was informed by public interest, citing the negative economic impact the continued closure of the mall would have on its over 100 employees.

“The order is also based on compassion, especially, in consideration of the economic losses that will be suffered by those affected, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 on the people,” she said.

In his response, Ikharo Attah, chairman of FCT ministerial taskforce on COVID -19, said the FCTA had no objections to the rulings of the court “because the administration wants to remain a model in obeying the rule of law.”