Embattled Congolese musician Koffi Olomide has been released from jail, his Kenyan-based lawyer Prof. George Luchiri Wajackoyah has confirmed.
Olomide was taken into custody in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, July 26th, days after he was deported from Kenya for allegedly assaulting one of his dancers, identified as Pamela, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi last Friday.
His Kinshasa-based lawyer, Landry Tanganyi, told the BBC that Olomide, one of Africa’s most popular musicians, should not be detained overnight as he was not a flight risk.
Olomide denied assault, though he apologised for his behaviour.
In a brief statement to eDaily on phone, Prof. Wajackoyah said: “I am aware of his (Koffi’s) release, but I am not in a position to give more details because my client has not authorized me to do so.”
“However, when he gives me the green light, I will hold a press conference to convey his message and in the same breathe, give comprehensive details of his case. The date and time of presser remains open – it can be today, tomorrow or even two days from now,” said Prof. Wajackoyah before hanging up.
A Kinshasa court judge reportedly did not find sufficient grounds to put Koffi behind bars over the JKIA incident, which was filmed and went viral. The legendary artiste spent the night in detention as investigation continued throughWednesday, the BBC reported.
Despite several media across Africa reporting that Koffi was sentenced to 18 months in jail, his Kenyan-based promoter Jules Nsana refutes the claims, saying the alleged violence case against Koffi was still under investigation, and that the investigators found no sufficient evidence to implicate the singer Thursday.