Malik Yahya/
Within two days, Nigerian Pop Star, Naira Marley has received two convictions and fines in Lagos and Abuja at his Court trials over violation of the interstate travel ban order when he flew to the Federal Capital Territory to participate in a drive-by concert on July 13.
After pleading guilty at a Special Offences Mobile Court in Lagos and fined N100, 000 yesterday, policemen flew Naira Marley to Abuja today for another trial at a Special Offences Mobile Court sitting at the Eagle Square. He was again convicted. This time the penalty is a N200, 000 fine.
Justice Idayat Akanni, who presided over the case convicted and fined Naira Marley for violating COVID-19 protocol on social distancing at a time when both the Federal and State Government imposed total lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja.
On July 13, the musician boarded a chartered flight and headed to Jabi Mall, Abuja where he staged a well-attended concert, which he also recorded and uploaded online.
Naira Marley staged the concert just few weeks after narrowly escaping conviction in Lagos for violating same protocol when he appeared in a birthday bash of Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele.
The singer was convicted on four counts of violating interstate travel ban, not using face mask and breaking social distancing order by featuring in a well-attended concert.
Chief State Counsel, Udeme Umana told the Court during the proceedings that the musician be ordered to publish unreserved apology to the Federal Government in a national daily of choice to serve as a deterrent to other Nigerians.
Counsel to Naira Marley, Mohammed Yunusa told journalists that his client was made to believe that the organizers of the concert had procured all the approval from the federal government hence his client flew into Abuja for the concert.
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