JUST IN: Funke Akindele arrested over defying lockdown order

Funke Akindele and Husband, JJC Skillz

Popular Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele has been arrested for hosting a party in contravention of the lockdown order in Lagos State, MyNigeria.com gathered.

Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, confirmed this development, noting she has been taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba.

MyNigeria.com can also confirm that her husband, JJC Skillz and Naira Marley were not in the house during the arrest.

“Yes, we have (arrested) Funke Akindele and we are looking for the others. She has been taken to SCID," Bala said.

According to reports gathered by MyNigeria.com, policemen arrived in Amen Estate off Lekki-Epe Expressway in about three patrol vehicles.

Funke Akindele hosted a house party for husband, JJC Skillz who celebrated his 43rd birthday with over 20 people including Naira Marley, defying the social distancing order, MyNigeria.com reported.

After the party at Amen Estate in Lagos State, one of the three states under lockdown, he responded to his critics by saying that "it's your data, you are very free."

The actress later apologised but it seems it was already too late following her arrest.

The actress, who is considered as an ambassador for the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Dettol, has appeared in adverts calling on Nigerians to observe social distancing and hygiene.

The Lagos Infection Diseases Regulations 2020 (the Regulations) 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.

It reads in part, “Where there is a violation of a close-down or stay at home order, security agencies shall have the power to arrest without warrant and may detain any person who violates the close-down or stay at home order for at least forty-eight (48) hours.

“Where the arrested person is found guilty, the person is liable to a fine of one Hundred Thousand Nara fine (N100,000.00) or one (1) month imprisonment or three (3) months Community service.”