June 26, (THEWILL) – The last has not been heard of the fine imposed on Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele-Bello, in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown for violating COVID-19 protocols and hosting a birthday party for her husband. She was later arraigned at a magistrate court in Ogba for her indiscretion.
The actress and some of her guests, such as fellow actress, Eniola Badmus; singer Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley; former AMEN Estate promoter, Babatunde Gbadamosi and others, were ordered to do community service for 14 days and to visit public places in Lagos State to educate people on the consequences of not complying with restriction orders. They were also fined a sum of N100 each.
The actress challenged the suit and questioned Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s right to impose a fine on her, since the lock-down was instituted by President Muhammadu Buhari. She requested through her lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje, a public apology from the state government to all persons arrested and convicted in three widely read newspapers.
However, an Ikoyi Federal High Court has ruled in favour of the state government and threw out Akindele-Bello’s suit, arguing that the governor has the power to make regulations in place of the President, according to section 8 of the Quarantine Act, 2004.
Justice Aluko of the Ikoyi Federal High Court observed that the law was made under the Lagos State Public Health Law, 2015 and Section 8 of the Quarantine Act which grants the governor power to make regulations in Section 4 of the Act.
About the Author
