Lagos state has convicted popular Nigerian artiste, Azeez Fashola also known as Naira Marley, alongside his manager, Seyi Awonuga for violating the COVID-19 inter-state travel ban.
The duo were arraigned before a special offences mobile court at Oshodi by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lagos state police command where they were convicted.
Naira Marley, Seyi Awonuga and a host of others had left Lagos in a private jet to perform at a concert at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja on June,13 2020, during the height of the Coronavirus inspired lockdown in Nigeria
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The Federal Government shut down the mall after the action attracted public outrage. The Airline which conveyed the artiste was also stopped from operations and the Inspector General of Police, declared Naira Marley wanted.
After more than a month, Azeez Fashola and his manager, turned themselves in on Thursday where they were subsequently arrested and arraigned.
The duo pleaded guilty to the charges and were fined N100,000 each for the offence.
Confirming the development, the public relations officer for the Lagos State Police command, SP Bala Elkana said;
“It will be recalled that on June 13, 2020, around 2pm, the suspect, in total violation of the lockdown order, embarked on a non-essential travel from Lagos to Abuja and back to Lagos the same date through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
“He was arraigned alongside his manager, Seyi Awonuga, on one count of breach of cessation of movement and interstate 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 of the Public Health Law, Ch. P16, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
“The two accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge and were awarded a fine of N100,000 each by the presiding magistrate.”