A Nigerian actress was arrested after violating lockdown regulations by hosting a birthday party for her husband, Abdul Rasheed Bello, at her home.

Ironically, Funke Akindele Bello is the star of Nigeria’s ‘Stay Home’ campaign, which encourages people to respect the regulations implemented to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.

All gatherings of more than 25 people have been banned in Lagos. It is unclear how many people attended the party.

The event, which Akindele justified by claiming that everyone who was there had been living in her house for several days, has been widely condemned for setting the wrong example. In a video shared on social media she said, “Nobody came from their house to party with us.” She also apologized in the same video and promised to practice social distancing.

Both Akindele and her husband pleaded guilty and were fined R4 800. They have been ordered to spend 14 days in community service, educating the public on the dangers of non-compliance with government regulations.

Umm Muhammed Umar