The Special Assistant to the Nigerian President on Digital and New Media, Tolu Ogunlesi has revealed in a series of tweets that the flight operator that took Naira Marley to Abuja violated approval.
He confirmed this in a tweet writing, ‘The flight was approved for a different purpose, to convey a service Justice from Lagos to Abuja and back, on official assignment. (Judiciary considered essential services). Flight operator violated approval.’
Videos of the controversial artiste at a concert on Saturday in Abuja went viral and Nigerians were left wondering how Naira Marley managed to get there despite travel ban. The ‘Opotoyi’ singer lives in Lagos.
Ogunlesi also noted that the aviation company has been suspended indefinitely and will be fined. ‘Flight Captain will also be sanctioned for providing false information’, he tweeted.
On the other hand, Execujet has denied sending any flights to Abuja this weekend.
One of the airline’s representatives who refused to reveal his name told Neusroom in a telephone conversation: ‘We have more than 100 aircraft in Lagos and it would have been easier if the Minister revealed the registration number of the aircraft he claimed embarked on the trip.’
When asked if the airline was issued an approval to travel to Abuja and when last it operated a flight to Abuja, the representative said it is “classified information, I can’t reveal that.” He also refused to reveal his name.
Last night, Jabi Lake Mall where the concert was held was also sealed. The event was supposed to be a drive-through concert but it all changed after fans came down from their cars to watch Naira Marley perform.
In April, Naira Marley was pardoned by a judge after partying with actress, Funke Akindele and her husband against lockdown rules. He escaped the 100,000 Naira fine and 14 days community service he would have received after he tendered an apology to Governor Sanwoolu and President Buhari. He also signed an undertaking that he would henceforth comply with the government’s stay-at-home and social distancing directives.
Naira Marley, his team and ex-BBNaija housemate, Kim Oprah who accompanied him to the concert could also be facing possible arrests and prosecution.