The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has said that Nigerian artistes arrested in Uganda would be released soon.
Those arrested in the East African country included Omah Lay, Tems and Muyiwa Awoniyi.
The assurance of their release was given on Tuesday by Dabiri-Erewa while receiving members of Omah Lay’s Record Label, Valetine Ngaji and Marshall Onaemo of Keyqaad Record, who came to plead for intervention for the arrested artistes at NiDCOM Office in Abuja on Tuesday.
She said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian mission in Uganda along with their Ugandan counterparts had achieved a diplomatic resolution of the matter, disclosing that they would first be handed over to officials of the Nigerian mission in Uganda
Dabiri-Erewa, however, did not mention when the arrested artistes would be finally released, but was optimistic that with the federal government‘s speedy intervention, they woukd reunite with their families and fans soonest
The NIDCOM boss advised Nigerian youth travelling abroad to familiarise themselves with the laws of the country and be good ambassadors of the country.
She stressed that the federal government’s commitment to the welfare of law-abiding Nigerians anywhere in the world had never been in doubt.
Earlier in his letter of request, Mr Valentine Ngaji on behalf of the artistes, thanked the federal government for its efforts since the matter came to light and further pleaded to ensure that Omah Lay and the team return home safely.
He recalled that the artistes after due diligence went to Uganda to perform at an event titled “The Brunch” but got to know later that the organisers of the event sold more than estimated tickets approved for the show resulting in unexpected turnout of crowds.
“The artistes being oblivious of this situation, went ahead to perform as required and was arrested by the Ugandan Police after the event and were charged for negligent intent to spread infectious disease.
“We acknowledge the seriousness of COVID-19 around the world and we humbly apologise for this conduct. If we had prior knowledge of such restrictions on live events in Uganda, we would have desisted from participating.
“We humbly seek your assistance to help us intervene. The artistes are respectable Nigerian citizens, well loved and appreciated by his fans with commendable morals.”
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