Police arrests Nigerian musicians for violating COVID-19 protocols in Uganda

Two Nigerian musicians have been arrested by police in Uganda for staging a musical concert in the capital Kampala despite the suspension of social gatherings by the government in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement issued on Monday, the police said the pair – Stanley Omah Didia aka Omah Ley and another Nigerian musician known as Tems were arrested after staging a concert on Saturday in Kampala.

Police said the musicians, their manager, and the event organisers would be detained till Wednesday for risking the spread of COVID-19.

READ ALSO: Naira Marley detained for flouting covid-19 directive

The police said three Nigerians have been jointly charged with four other Ugandans for “negligently committing acts likely to spread an infectious disease.”

Omah Lay also confirmed his arrest on Twitter, saying “I’m in cuffs in Uganda right now with Tems.”

The singer added that he is “just a musician trying to entertain” and called on Nigeria’s ministry of foreign affairs to intervene in the matter.

After the confirmation of the musicians’ arrest, the self-acclaimed “African Giant,” Burna Boy took to his official Twitter account and demanded the release of his colleagues.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now