DPP Withdraws Charges Against Nigerian Artists

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo has withdrawn the charges against three Nigerian artists barely a day after presenting them in court.

The artists including Temilade Openiyi, Stanley Omah Didia and Muyiwa Awoniyia appeared before the Makindye Grade One Magistrate, Jude Okumu Muwone on Monday on charges of doing an act likely to spread an infectious disease when they staged a concert at Ddungu Resort on December 12, 2020. 

The concert violated the ban on social gatherings imposed by President, Yoweri Museveni to stop the spread of COVID-19. The trio was jointly charged with four Ugandans namely Salim Kim and Benjamin Kabuura, the organizers of the concert, Phillip Kasakya, the coordinator of security at the event and Ivan Ddungu, the proprietor of Ddungu Resort where the music concert took place.  

However, on Tuesday, the DPP wrote to the magistrate withdrawing the charges against the Nigerian artists without giving any reason for the decision. Left without any option, Okumu ordered Uganda prisons to release the Nigerians who were remanded to Kitalya and Kigo government prisons.  

Unlike the artists, their Ugandan accomplices are still battling the charges. The Uganda Prisons Spokesperson, Frank Baine confirmed to URN the release of the Nigerian artists, saying they are already in the hands of the Police Criminal Investigations Directorate for further action.

A source privy to the matter told URN on condition of anonymity that a Nigerian Diplomat successfully negotiated the release of the artists.