Lockdown violation: Naira Marley to undergo coronavirus test, as Lagos state government drops charges

The Lagos State Government has withdrawn its charges against popular singer, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and a former governorship candidate, Babatunde Gbadamosi, and his wife in view of the remorseful disposition of the defendants and order to undergo coronavirus test.

Penpushing reports that, the defendants were arraigned by the police for attending a birthday party of Abdulrasheed Bello, husband of the popular Nollywood actress Funke Akindele which is contrary to the lockdown order in view of the ravaging coronavirus.

The three defendants were arraigned on Wednesday before the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Ogba, but the Lagos State Government withdrew the charges on the condition that the accused would tender an apology to President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State..

The lead prosecutor A.G. Oshoala, informed the court that he received a directive from the Attorney-General of Lagos State, that in view of the remorseful disposition of the defendants, the state was willing to step down on the charges on three conditions.

Penpushing further reports that, the three conditions have it that, the defendants will write a formal apology to the Governor of Lagos State,  the defendants will sign an undertaking to comply with all regulations relating to coronavirus pandemic and  the defendants will go on self-isolation for 14 days in order to protect others that they may come in contact with.

The court proceedings showed that all the defendants were present in court and the prosecution was led by A.G. Oshoala, the Director of Public prosecution, Lagos State. Olawale Akoni and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa led the defence team.

Penpushing also reports that, all the defendants accepted these conditions and thereafter the Director of Public Prosecution applied to withdraw the charges and requested that the conditions be complied with, and updates given through the police officer in charge of legal department,State Criminal Investigation Department( SCID), Panti, Yaba.

The magistrate delivering a bench ruling said it was better to allow the defendants enough time to comply with the conditions, and gave the defendants 24 hours to comply with the conditions, while the case was consequently adjourned to Thursday, for withdrawal or plea, as the case may be.

Penpushing reports that, Messrs Akoni and Adegboruwa, on behalf of the defence, expressed their gratitude to the court, the Lagos State Governor, the Attorney General of Lagos State and the police, for the peaceful and friendly proceedings.