The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of 78 people who violated the lockdown order put in place by the Federal government in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.
According to a statement on Wednesday evening sent to POLITICS NIGERIA, signed by the command’s spokesperson, Bala Elkana, 600 vehicles have also been impounded since the lockdown was ordered.
“On 8/4/2020, Police Officers on enforcement of restriction of movements order arrested 78 suspects for violating the stay at home directives of Government. The suspects were arrested playing football on major streets and having group exercise in large number, thereby neglecting the principles of social distancing.”
“The suspects were arraigned in Chief Magistrate Court Yaba on one count charge of violating the social distancing directives of Lagos State Government contrary to Regulation 8(1)( a) &(b) and 17(1)(i) of Lagos State Infectious Disease (Emergency prevention) Regulation 2020. It is an offence punishable under Section 58 Public Health Law Cap P16 Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”
“Seventy-three of the suspects pleaded guilty to the charge while 3 pleaded not guilty. The Court ordered that all the suspects should be kept in Government Isolation Centres for 14 days and thereafter serve one-month community service. The three suspects who pleaded not guilty will after observing the 14 days isolation, be brought to Court for trial.” the statement read.
