Popular singer, Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), has been arraigned before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Oshodi over alleged violation of COVID-19 regulations.
Naira Marley, who in recent times has been running foul of the law, was earlier detained by the police for alleged violation of movement restrictions in line with Covid 19 protocols, after he organised a concert in Abuja in June.
Bala Elkana, the state Police Public Relation Officer, told reporters that the singer was charged for violating the COVID-19 instruction restraining interstate travels, which was then in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “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 N100,000 each by the presiding magistrate.
It would be recalled that in April, Marley was detained alongside Funke Akindele, a Nollywood actress, after 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The charges against him were, however, withdrawn following his apology to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, where he promised to abide by all government measures thereafter.
“I hereby apologise 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 spread of coronavirus in Nigeria”.
