Celebrities have taken to social media to call for the release of Funke Akindele as she faces trial for hosting a party in defiance of lockdown orders in Lagos state.
Funke Akindele, and her husband, JJC Skillz who were dragged before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ogba, have pleaded guilty to the one-count charge brought against them by the state attorney general.
The couple pleaded guilty of breaching the Lagos Infection Diseases Regulations 2020 (the Regulations) which prescribes a jail term of one month or N100,000 fine or both for persons found guilty of hosting gatherings or flouting the lockdown order.
However, some celebrities have taken to social media to demand her release.
Actress Uche Elendu appealed to the Lagos state government to release her for the sake of her twins. She wrote on Instagram; “Please release her i dont have any excuses to make for her cos the law is simple, No Social gathering !!!! but her humble and sweet spirit doesnt deserve this arrest…We are Sorry on her behalf please @jidesanwoolu @balaelkana”
“She explained and apologised please listen and forgive, at least people ate food at the party, the people that clustered people to share 2 packs of indomie in the name of Quarantine relief were not arrested, Please Forgive her #freefunkeakindele
“Nigerians pls the same way you got her arrested through social media pls beg them to release her, her twins r crying#stayathome”
Actress Mary Njoku also criticized Funke’s arrest and asked if others who have held gatherings amid the lockdown have been arrested too.
She wrote, “Are all, I mean ALL the politicians, Pastors, Nigerians who have held parties, gatherings , photo sessions, rallies, and opening ceremonies in Jail? I am not making excuses for her Pls. Just asking. Cos if they are not…… Yes, She was wrong. Nobody is perfect. #releaseFunke. #SheIsSorry.”
