Police in Uganda have arrested Nigerian musician Stanley Omah Didia, popularly known as Omah Lay, for holding an unauthorized concert on Saturday night in the capital, Kampala.
They also say they have arrested a second Nigerian musician, Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, together with the event organizer and owner of the premises. Three police were among the nine people arrested.
All are accused of “doing acts that are likely to cause the spread of coronavirus”, Ugandan police said on Facebook.
Omah Lay has confirmed his arrest in a tweet:
Yes I’m with the Ugandan police… something about the show from last night. Everything would be fine…
Omah 💜
— Omah Lay (@Omah_Lay) December 13, 2020
Police said the organizers of the concert first held lunch and dinner events, but later at night started inviting musicians to perform.
The organizers are accused of conniving with area police officers to guard the event.
One of the arrested Nigerian musicians, Tems, tweeted a clip of Saturday’s concert:
Uganda! Thank you so much! Rebel gang worldwide! 🇺🇬🖤 pic.twitter.com/AGZGvNRPx2
— TEMS (@temsbaby) December 12, 2020
“There is a possibility of subjecting them to coronavirus medical tests and if they are found positive, it will be evidence that we shall use in court,” deputy spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, Luke Owoyesigyire, is quoted as saying by the Daily Monitor newspaper.
Uganda’s government suspended social gatherings, including election campaign rallies, to limit the spread of coronavirus.