Many Nigerians including celebrities have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of arrested singers, Omah Lay and Tems by Ugandan authoritarian over the weekend.
Both singers were arrested by the Uganda Police Force after their performances at The Big Brunch in Kampala, Uganda for flouting COVID-19 guidelines.
Read Also: COVID-19: Why We Arrested Omah Lay, Tems – Uganda Police Releases Official Statement
The duo were arraigned in court today for this offense and the Judge ordered the remand of Omah Lay and Tems.
The ruling has since sparked outrage among many Nigerians on Twitter, as they believe the artistes were not given a fair hearing.
Read Also: Breaking: Nigerian Artistes Omah Lay, Tems To Be Remanded In Uganda Police Custody (Photos)
African Giant, Burna Boy via his Twitter platform urged Ugandan government to release the singers.
He wrote;
Uganda…Pls we need our people home and safe #freetems#freeomahlay.
Uganda…Pls we need our people home and safe #freetems #freeomahlay
— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) December 14, 2020
Ace rap artiste, Olamide also lent his voice to the release of the singers, saying;
@PoliceUg@StateHouseUg Free Omah lay and Tems.
Rave-of-the-moment artiste, Fireboy DML, in a tweet asked Ugandan police why his peers were being mistreated.
He queried;
What is going on? @PoliceUg Why are Omah Lay and Tems being mistreated?! #FreeOmahLay#FreeTems everyone please let’s create more awareness on this, it’s no longer funny!
what is going on? @PoliceUg why are Omah Lay and Tems being mistreated?! #FreeOmahLay #FreeTems everyone please let’s create more awareness on this, it’s no longer funny !
— Fireboy DML (@fireboydml) December 14, 2020
In an update, Peter Okoye of defunct PSquare group revealed that the chairman of Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during a telephone conversation assured him that they are working on ensuring the release of the singers.
Just got off the phone with @abikedabiri And she said they doing everything possible to get it all sorted! Pls let’s all be calm🙏🏽. Thank you very much maddam! #FreeOmahLay #FreeTems
— Peter Okoye MrP (@PeterPsquare) December 14, 2020
See other reactions from Twitter users below;
Wasn’t there prior publicity about the show? why wasn’t it shut down before it was held? why are you arresting some particular artists that performed? Who organised the show? #FreeOmahLay#FreeTems
— Laycon💡 (@itsLaycon) December 14, 2020
#FreeTems #FreeOmahLay WHY THE FUCK ARE THEY BEING DETAINED!!!! NA BOOK DEM BOOK THEM!!
— OBA ORIN (@TeniEntertainer) December 14, 2020
Its a total shame that Nigerian artists Omah Lay and Tems who flew into Uganda LEGALLY for a publicly announced event are being hounded and embarrassed in such a manner.#FreeOmahLay #FreeTems @GovUganda @abikedabiri
— Runtown (@iRuntown) December 14, 2020
Omahlay and Tems were invited and granted permission to perform!! @PoliceUg
Why exactly are they being detained?It is our Duty, to ensure the protection of our Citizens.@NigeriaMFA @Abikedabiri
Please look into this and resolve it quickly!! Thank you#FreeTems #FreeOmahLay— TACHA🔱🇳🇬🇬🇭 (@Symply_Tacha) December 14, 2020
Uganda president leading COVID rules from the front. #FreeTems #FreeOmahLay pic.twitter.com/ZB5GEVA6r1
— Ayemojubar (@ayemojubar) December 14, 2020
Omah Lay and Tems are currently being bullied in Uganda by their Police and the Government.
Pass this on and let someone know that some Nigerian citizens are held hostage in a foreign land!!!!@PoliceUg you know the right people to arrest, #FreeOmahLay and #FreeTems now!!
— Fairly used boyfriend 💫 (@brysonadahcole) December 14, 2020
Uganda get mind oo, a whole giant of Africa, @PoliceUg police dey treat its citizens like that. No respect, no regards at all, ordinary Uganda wey Oshodi and agege boys go go there go scatter. No be their fault anyway, na wetin pur leaders cause. #FreeTems #FreeOmahLay
— James Onwe #EndSARS (@youngvallen12) December 14, 2020
Omah Lay & Tems have been sent to a maximum security prison in Uganda till Wednesday and the Nigerian Govt isn’t doing anything about it.
Can we RT & tag govt officials we need more awareness! #FreeOmahLay #FreeTems pic.twitter.com/cHoJ1cIRG3
— Unilag’s Finest ✨ (@bluegirlolu) December 14, 2020
@temsbaby and @Omah_Lay Should be home, not in court before a magistrate for a negligent act likely to spread #covid19 they were booked to perform, they didn’t organize the concert, it’s the promoter. Free the artists 🇳🇬#FreeOmahLay #FreeTems pic.twitter.com/SBCivtTUmG
— A Pass Bagonza (@IamApass) December 14, 2020
So my brother-in-law just sent this to me from Uganda, apparently Omah Lay & Tems have been sent to a maximum security prison in Uganda till Wednesday & the Nigerian Govt isn’t doing anything about it.
Can we RT & tag govt officials till they see this. #FreeOmahLay #FreeTems pic.twitter.com/KVqRS4Q3xj
— Samuel Otigba (@SamuelOtigba) December 14, 2020
UG so I’m disappointed 💔 #FreeTems #FreeOmahLay this is not right! 🤬🤬🤬
— Maleek Berry (@MaleekBerry) December 14, 2020
Omah Lay and Tems have been charged to court in Uganda
Everyone please let’s create more awareness on this!! This is getting out of hands! #FreeOmahLay #FreeTems
Pass it on!!
— Famez Venom 👊🏽 (@Famezz_vv) December 14, 2020
#FreeTems #FreeOmahLay
Makes no sense as to why you arrest performers at an event that’s already happened
Makes no sense— ZAHEER! (@iam_YCee) December 14, 2020
They were that strict with Covid 19 rules, yet they organized a concert, invited Nigerian musicians to perform, allowed them in the country, allowed them perform, then arrested them for breaking a rule they clearly could have avoided. Doesn’t make sense! #FreeTems #FreeOmahlay 😠 pic.twitter.com/Fnc5dm9Rk4
— EyeCan (@Eyesaymymind) December 14, 2020
