The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Nigerian actress Funke Akindele and her husband Abdul Rasheed Bello have been fined Sh27,687 ($260) for throwing a wild party in Lagos amid coronavirus lockdown.
According to a statement from Lagos State police, the couple has also been ordered to do 14 days of community service and directed to submit contact details of everyone else who attended the birthday party she hosted for Bello at their Lagos mansion.
Apologizing for the incident, the actress who ironically fronted the ‘Stay Home’ campaign in the fight against the spread of the disease and appeared in a Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) video to raise awareness, said they erred and revealed that the attendees had been staying with them.
I hear you all and I acknowledge all your honest feedback. I also thank you for your concerns, well wishes and calls. I am sorry and hope this video offers some explanation. Please stay safe. And God bless. @lagosstategovt https://t.co/Hr8xKOK1Dp
— funke Akindele Bello (@funkeakindele) April 5, 2020
News of the party made headlines after Bello on Saturday, April 4 shared a snippet of the celebration on social media. Many outed the couple and fellow stars Naira Marley and actress Eniola Badmus for hypocrisy and demanded action from the state in line with set guidelines as outlined in 14-day lockdown.
Read Also: Country folk singer John Prine dies at 73 of coronavirus complications
They were consequently arrested and appeared in court on April 6 where they pleaded guilty to violating Lagos State Infectious Disease 2020 regulation that, among others, prohibits all gatherings of more than 25 people.
Following the backlash, the NCDC distanced itself from the actress, saying she was not contracted as its ambassador on Covid-19 awareness.
The arrest came days after singer Davido was also slammed for performing in several night clubs in Ibadan, Oyoo state, soon after his arrival from the United States following the cancellation of his tour.
To add salt to injury, he days later announced that his pregnant fiancé had tested positive for the coronavirus after flying back from London, United Kingdom.
Responding to a video of Davido in one of the clubs, Adebowale Adebambo via tweet, lamented that the Fall hitmaker endangered many by disregarding state directives.
"So Davido after visiting Presidential Material in Oyo State, Still Performed at a social gathering last night and billed to perform tonight as well after a Covid-19 case is detected in Ibadan. I am sure he would come to apologize again. His c***** will defend this again,” he wrote.
