Updated: Naira Marley arraigned, sentenced for breaching COVID-19 restriction

Michael Adeshina

Controversial Nigerian artiste Naira Marley was arraigned at the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Oshodi around 3:30 pm on Thursday.

The singer was arraigned alongside his manager Seyi Awouga, for violating the interstate travel ban during the COVID-19 travel restriction.

According to a statement released by Lagos Police spokesman, Bala Elkana, Naira Marley and his manager were arraigned on a one-count charge of breach of the 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.

The ‘Mafo’ crooner left Lagos for the Federal Capital Territory for a concert held at the Jabi Lake Mall, on Saturday, July 13.

The concert was organized by Play Network Africa, Traffic Bar, and El’Carnival, and was sponsored by Glenfiddich.

Following public outrage, the FCT Minister shut down the mall and the Federal Government of Nigeria stopped the operation of the airline whose plane he chartered.

However, when the charge was read to Naira Marley and his manager, they pleaded guilty to the charge and were awarded a fine of one N100,000 each by the magistrate.