Omah Lay has spoken out for the first time following his return to Nigeria after he was arrested and locked up in prison for flouting COVID-19 guidelines in Uganda.
The singer was arrested on Sunday alongside fellow singer Tems for holding an ”illegal concert” at Ddungu resort in Munyonyo where they gathered big crowds, contrary to President Museveni’s directives on the prevention of the spread of Covid-19.
Taking to Twitter to share his experience, Omah Lay described the past few days as ‘toughest of my life’ and claimed he was treated like a common criminal after his arrest.
In one tweet, the singer appreciated fans who came out to watch him perform, before clarifying that it was never his intention to cause any harm that could have likely caused the spread of infectious disease.
According to him, the show promoters confirmed and proved they’d secured all clearances including COVID-19 compliance, paving the way for him to make himself available for the event.
The singer also tendered a public apology to his family, team, and fans for the ‘sleepless nights’ he had caused them and thanked everyone who played a role to help facilitate his release from prison.
He wrote;
“The past few days have been some of the toughest of my life that I wouldn’t wish them on anyone. Out in a new country with some beautiful people, the next thing I’m being treated like a common thief
First off I want to thank all the amazing fans that came out to see me in Uganda, the smiles on your happy faces that evening would be one of my happiest memories
Also I wanna clarify that putting you in harms way was never my intentions! Before we came out to Uganda, the show promoters confirmed and proved to us they’d secured all the clearances which of course included Covid 19 compliance….
At that point, my sole obligation became to make myself available to be taken to the venue and entertain, which I did in the full glance and protection of the Ugandan police.
Secondly, to my mom, my family, my team, my fans, friends that I caused sleepless nights waiting and praying for me, I apologize for putting you through all that;
…on the other hand I can’t thank you enough, I damned near lost my mind but your prayers and messages kept me going! Thank you so much!
Finally, big THANK YOU to everyone for your efforts, prayers, messages, tweets (Damn! Y’all went hard!).
Big shout out to the musicians, the celebrities, fans (Again and again), my family, my friends, my Label, The Nigerian Mission in Uganda, The Presidency, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Madam Abike. Thank you all so much!
I have put this behind me and back to what I know how to do best. One Africa. Omah is home!
Love,
Omah”
