A Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory has ordered the reopening of the Jabi Lake Mall, which was sealed 10 days ago for hosting a concert by the artiste, Naira Marley.

Recall that the June 13 drive-in concert hosted by Naira Marley in the mall was greeted by widespread condemnation on social media after photos and videos from the concert showed the guests did not observe social distancing and other COVID-19 precautionary guidelines. The mall was subsequently shut down and the airline that flew Naira Marley to Abuja was also penalized.

Giving the order for the opening of the mall today Tuesday June 23, Magistrate Idayat Akanni said the decision to reopen the mall was a sequel to the application filed by the defence counsel, Nnamdi Ekwem, who asked the court to unseal the business premises.

She said her judgment was based on the overall interest of those, who would be affected adversely by the closure, noting that the mall had over 100 employees and other tenants, who are not co-offenders in the matter.

“The order is also based on compassion, especially, in consideration of the economic losses that will be suffered by those affected, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 on the people.”

She ordered the management of the mall to publish an apology to the government in national dailies for violating the COVID-19 guidelines.