‘I Was Treated Like Common Thief’ – Omah Lay Recounts His Arrest And Detention Ordeal In Uganda

By Edna Wande On Dec 18, 2020

Omah Lay, fast-rising Nigerian singer, has described his ordeal in Uganda as the “toughest time of his life,” saying that he was “treated like a common thief”.

MDB earlier reported how the ‘Damn’ crooner and Tems, a fellow singer, were earlier detained in the east-African country for flouting COVID-19 protocols after a performance on December 12.

Following the intervention of Nigerian Government, the order for their release was made and they arrived in Nigeria on Thursday.

Shortly after their arrival, Omah Lay took to his Twitter page to appreciate everyone who reached out to him during the period of his arrest and those who worked toward his release from jail.

In a series of tweets, the ‘What Have We Done’ crooner described his experience in Uganda as some of the toughest of his life.

The 23-year-old also alleged that he was treated like a “common thief” in the country, adding that he wouldn’t wish such treatment on anyone.

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.

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 🤦🏾‍♂️

— Omah Lay (@Omah_Lay) December 17, 2020

The singer went on to thank his Uganda fans for giving him a wonderful show shortly before his arrest, saying the smiles on their happy faces that evening would be one of his happiest memories.

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 💜

— Omah Lay (@Omah_Lay) December 17, 2020

He however clarified that that it was never his intention to cause any harm that could have likely caused the spread of infectious disease, coronavirus.

According to him, before himself and team went to Uganda, the show promoters confirmed and proved to them that they have secured all the clearances including COVID-19 compliance.

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….

— Omah Lay (@Omah_Lay) December 17, 2020

Omah Lay said it was then his sole obligation to make himself available to be taken to the venue to entertain, which took place with the protection of Ugandan police.

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.

— Omah Lay (@Omah_Lay) December 17, 2020

The singer also tendered a public apology to his family, team, and fans for the ‘sleepless nights‘ he had caused them.

…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!

— Omah Lay (@Omah_Lay) December 17, 2020

Finally, big THANK YOU to everyone for your efforts, prayers, messages, tweets (Damn! Y’all went hard!).

— Omah Lay (@Omah_Lay) December 17, 2020

He then thanked everyone who played a role to help facilitate his release from prison especially Nigerian Mission in Uganda, the Presidency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and chairman of Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

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!

— Omah Lay (@Omah_Lay) December 17, 2020

Omah Lay noted that he has put the Uganda experience behind him and that he is back to what he knows how to do best – music.

I have put this behind me and back to what I know how to do best. One Africa ✊🏿Omah is home! 🤘🏾

Love,
Omah 💜

— Omah Lay (@Omah_Lay) December 17, 2020

Omah Lay and Tems were arrested alongside her manager, Muyiwa Awomiyi and three other Ugandans over their involvement in an unauthorised concert that held on December 12, in Ddungu Resort in Munyonyo, Kampala City.

They were subsequently remanded in police custody after they were arraigned before a court.

Their detention had generated a lot of heated controversies on social media platforms with many Nigerians calling for their immediate release.