Nigerian artistes Omah Lay and Tems have been released by the authorities in Uganda after they were arrested and charged for flouting covid-19 guidelines in the country.
According to the release order signed by Magistrate Okumu Jude Muwone, the charges against Omah Lay, Tems and her manager Muyiwa Awoniyi were dropped.
The order release for Awoniyi and Omah Lay read:
“WHEREAS the Accused persons As MUYIWA AWONIYI and As STANLEY OMAH DIDIA, were charged with the offence of Neglect act likely to spread of infectious disease
Section 171 of Penal Code Act.
“The charges against the accused As STANLEY OMAH DIDIA and As MUYIWA AWONIYI, has been withdrawn against them Vide Withdrawal Form Serial No. 4292 dated 15 December 2020
“This is to direct you to release As MUYIWA AWONIY1 und A- STANLEY OMAH DIDIA the said accused persons from your custody forthwith unless held on other charges.”
The release order for Tems read:
“WHEREAS the Accused person A TEMILADE OPENYI was charged with the offence of Neglect act likely to spread of infectious disease Section 171 of Penal Code Act.
“The charges against the accused A TEMILADE OPENYI has been withdrawn against them Vide Withdrawal Form Serial No, 4292 dated 1st December 2020.
“This is to direct you to release the said A. TEMILADE OPENYI from your custody forthwith unless held on other charges.”
The duo was arrested in Uganda by Katwe Police after performing at a concert in the country. They were arrested alongside the manager of the venue one Dungu Ivan and the Events manager Prim Kasana.
Confirming the arrest, Luk Owoyesigyire, the Assistant Superintendent of Police and Deputy Police Spokesperson, Kampala Metropolitan Police in a statement released on Twitter, wrote;
“Nigerian Artist Omah lay has been arrested by Katwe police , the manager of the venue one Dungu Ivan and the Events manager Prim Kasana are also in custody. More details to follow.