In a bid to enforce restriction of movements due to the raging Covid-19, the police has arrested two hundred and two violators across different communities in Lagos for violating the stay-at-home order.
The violators were arrested on the March 9th, 2020 and charged to Court for violating government’s stay- at-home directives.
It was learned that the suspects who are within ages 15 and 42 were arrested playing football on major streets while others were having group exercise in large number, which neglect the principles of social distancing.
The suspects were arraigned in Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court 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.
Among the suspects charged, one hundred and eighty nine pleaded guilty to the charge while 13 pleaded not guilty. At the end of the trial, the suspects were found guilty as charged and ordered to pay ten thousand naira each as fines. They are also sentenced to two hours community service, which was supervised by officials of social welfare.
The suspects were arrested along Iju, Sabo, Ikeja, Itire, Ikotun, Ogudu, Akinpelu, Maroko, Alapere, Anthony, Orile, Owode Onirin and Ilemba Hausa areas. .
