Why Lagos Withdrew Charges Against Naira Marley, Gbadamosi and Wife

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday morning withdrew charges against a musician, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, a politician, Babatunde Gbadamosi and his wife, Folashade.

The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr Yakub Oshoala made the announcement while appearing before an Ogba Chief Magistrate Court.

The trio were brought before the court for attending Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele’s husband’s birthday party last weekend in Lagos.

Rather than proceeding with the trial, the DPP proposed on behalf of the Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN that the trio should tender a written apology to Lagos State government, maintain a 14 day isolation, and undertake to continue to obey the regulations set out by the Federal and State government.

While the proceedings started at 11.20am with the defendants present in court, Naira Marley, who was dressed in white shirt and black Jeans was called into the dock.

Gbadamosi was dressed in a brown native, his wife, Folasade was dressed in blue top on black Jeans. All three defendants had on face masks.

Oshoala led the prosecution team alongside Dr Babajide Martins a Director in the office of the DPP, Adetutu Osinusi, a Deputy Director in the office of the DPP, Jonathan Ogunsanya and Afolabi Solebo who are both Assistant Directors in the office of the DPP.

For the defence team, Olawale Akoni SAN alongside Dr Bayo Adaralegbe represented the 2nd defendant while Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN alongside O. Awonuga represented the 3rd defendant.

Naira Marley was represented by Damilola Ayinde-Marshall alongside Afeez Olabisi.

The DPP told the court that even though the state has filed a four count charge before the court, “a few minutes before the court proceedings started, the Attorney General forwarded a directive to me that having considered the remorsefulness of the three defendants, the AG has considered diverting the case out of court based on the defendants fulfilling three conditions.

Parts of the conditions include writing a formal apology to the Government of Lagos State which will solidify the remorsefulness shown by them.

They have to give an undertaking in writing that they will continue to comply with the directives of Mr President and Mr Governor which is the subject matter of the case before the court.

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 absolutely 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 this conditions, the four-count charge will be withdrawn and that will be the end of the matter. We will keep it in abeyance. That’s our submission.” He said.

All the lawyers to the defendants acquiesced to the terms.

To Akoni: “On behalf of the second defendant, we wish to express our appreciation to the state, the DPP and to confirm to the court that we accept the three conditions”.

Adegboruwa said; “On behalf of the 3rd defendant, we express our appreciation to his excellency, Mr President and the Governor, the AG, The DPP and his team, the Police and most of all the court. The third defendant is a law abiding citizen and accepts all the three conditions as stipulated by the DPP.

On her own part, Ayinde-Marshall said; “On behalf of the first defendant, we say a big thank you to the police, the President, Mr Governor 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.

Responding, the DPP said, “Having agreed to this conditions and having already dealt with the principal defendants, Funke Akindele and her husband, we hereby withdraw the charge before the court. However, for the purpose of clarity, I request the defendant to put their phones numbers out so that the personnel from the Ministry of Health can get in touch with them, having agreed to go into self isolation.

“Also, within today and tomorrow morning latest, the undertakings must reach the AG through their lawyers and the OC Legal to show their sincerity. We are grateful to the court,” he said.

The trial magistrate, Chief Magistrate Aje-Afunwa told both parties to follow court rules in the withdrawal of charges.

“This honourable court has listened to the request of the learned DPP indicating that the state requests to withdraw the charge on the condition that they fulfill all the conditions as stipulated by the prosecution.

“Since the defendants have all agreed to comply with the conditions, I wish to state that the procedure for the withdrawal of a criminal charge is that before the charge is withdrawn, the conditions must be met or be seen to be met;

“In the circumstances of this case, the court will adjourn to enable the defence put its house in order and the prosecution will address the court on how the defendants have complied. If all the parties agree, the court will adjourn till tomorrow”, she said.

All the parties agreed had no objections to the terms.

In adjourning the matter, CM Aje-Afunwa said: “Since it was agreed on 24 hours for compliance with the conditions, the court believes 12noon tomorrow is appropriate for withdrawal of the charge. Case is adjourned to 9th April at 12noon for withdrawal or for taking of plea if conditions fail to be complied with;

In line with the regulations of the government, we all must continue to ensure that the regulations are strictly complied with in our homes and in all public places”, she concluded.