by Francis Nkem
The Lagos State Government has revealed the conditions for withdrawing the charges brought against hip-hop star, Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley, former Lagos governorship aspirant, Babatunde Gbadamosi and his wife Folashade for defying the state Coronavirus social distancing directive.
Naira Marley was represented in court by Damilola Ayinde-Marshall, Afeez Olabisi while Olawale Akoni SAN and Dr Bayo Adaralegbe represented Babatunde Gbadamosi. Meawhile, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN alongside O. Awonuga represented the 3rd def, Folasade Gbadamosi.
Upon the announcement of appearance, the Prosecutor, Yakub Oshaola told the court that even though the state has filed a charge before the court, a few minutes before the court sat, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyo Onigbanjo SAN forwarded a directive to him that having considered the remorsefulness of the three defendants, he has considered diverting the case out of court based on the defendants fulfilling three conditions.
The conditions are; (1) They have to write a formal apology to the Government of Lagos State which will solidify the remorsefulness shown by them.
(2) They have to give an undertaking in writing that they will continue to comply with the directives of Mr Governor which is the subject matter of the case before the court.
(3) In view of the danger which the state believes they’ve put themselves by attending a gathering exceeding 20 persons, they must agree to go on 14 days isolation to protect other members of the public from any likely danger.
Mr Oshoala also submitted that this is “necessary in view of the fact that some individuals who travelled from endangered countries where present at the party. He stressed that the state is not a persecutor but it is always ready to enforce the laws that benefit the interest of the public. If they agree to these conditions, the charge will be withdrawn and that will be the end of the matter.”
On his part, Adegboruwa said: ‘On behalf of the 3rd def, we
express our appreciation to his excellency, Mr President and the Governor, the
Attorney General and his team, the Police and
most of all the court. The third def is a law-abiding citizen and accepts all
that three conditions as stipulated by the DPP.”
Also speaking, Ayinde-Marshall said: “On behalf
of the first defendant, we say a big thank you to the police, the President, Mr
Gov and the DPP. My client is a law-abiding citizen too and a strict supporter
of government policies. We undertake that we will fulfill the three conditions
given to them.”
