Lockdown Violation: Lagos Withdraws Charges Against Naira Marley, Gbadamosi
The Lagos government has withdrawn the charges against Azeez Fashola, controversial street singer better known as Naira Marley, and Babatunde Gbadamosi, former governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the state.
The pair alongside Folashade, Gbadamosi’s wife, were scheduled for arraignment before the magistrate court in Ogba on Wednesday, for flouting the state’s lockdown order.
They were arrested for attending a house party organised by actress Funke Akindele-Bello and her husband at their Amen estate residence on April 5. Akindele and her hubby were arraigned on Monday and sentenced to 14 days community service with N100, 000 each.
Conditions to be met
At the sitting, the state government agreed to withdraw the four-count charges against the three defendants; after they must have fulfilled three conditions. One of the conditions read:
“They have to write a formal apology to the Government of Lagos State; which will solidify the remorsefulness shown by them.”
The trio were also required to present a written undertaking, that they will continue to comply; with the directives of both President Mohammadu Buhari and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on COVID-19.
“They have to give an undertaking in writing. That they will continue to comply with the directives of Mr President and Mr Governor; which is the subject matter of the case before the court.”
Haven mingled with more than 20 persons during Akindele’s party, the defendants were required to go on 14 days isolation. This is to protect members of the public from any potential infection.
“In view of the danger which the state believes they’ve put themselves by attending a gathering exceeding 20 persons, they must agree to go on 14 days isolation to protect other members of the public from any likely danger.”
While the trio’s counsels agreed to the conditions of the court, the case was adjourned till Thursday. Moreover, to determining if all conditions would have been met.
