FCT Mobile Court Convicts 27 People for Breach of COVID-19 Protocols

FCT Mobile Court Convicts 27 People for Breach of COVID-19 Protocols

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mobile Court has convicted 27 persons for willful violation of the presidential order on COVID-19 regulations, pursuant to Section 4 of the Quarantine Act, Cap. 02, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The Magistrate, Idayat Akanni, yesterday awarded N2,000 fine against 24 defaulters who pleaded guilty with an option of a one-day community service in any of the government facilities.

However, the remaining three persons, who pleaded not guilty, are to appear before the Magistrate Court at Wuse Zone 2 on August 21.

The prosecution in the charge sheet, Udeme Umanah, said the defaulters were arrested at Pana village in Utako District for allegedly violating the 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew, not observing social distancing and refusing to wear face mask when appearing in the public.

“The court tried them and convicted them, except for three who denied liability. Those who pleaded guilty are to pay a fine of N2,000 or go for a one-day community service. Also three beer parlours have been sealed for four days,” the prosecutor, Umanah, stated.

Commenting on the judgement, the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Anjuguri Manza, said the dusk-to-dawn curfew was still in place and should be adhered by beer parlour and restaurant operators.

Also fielding questions from journalists, the Chairmanof FCT Ministerial Task Team on COVID-19, Ikharo Attah, urged Nigerians, especially FCT residents, to comply with the safety guidelines.

“Most people are thinking that the issue of COVID-19 is over, but is not; the fight against the pandemic is still on, so we must strictly adhere to the rules,” he said.

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