By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Captial Territory mobile Court on Monday convicted 27 persons for violating COVID-19 regulations, 2020 made by Presidential Order pursuant to Section 4 of the Quarantine Act, Cap. 02, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Idayat Akanni, the trial Magistrate awarded N2,000.00 fine to the 24 defulters that pleaded quilty with an option of a one day community service in any of the government facility.
The 3 alleged violators who pleaded not quilty are to appear before Magistrate court Wuse zone II on Friday, August 21.
The prosecutor, Udeme Umanah who read the charges before the COVID-19 regulation defulters arrested at Pana village in Utako district, said the offences bother on violation of dust -to-dawn curfew, violation of ban on social gatherings and the violation of compulsory wearing of face mask when appearing in the public.
He said, “The court tried them and convicted them, except for 3 who denied liability. Those that pleaded quilty are to pay a fine of 200,000 fine or go for one day community service, also 3 beer parlours have been sealed for four days” he said.
Commenting on the judgement, the FCT Police command spokesperson, Anjuguri Manza said the police stance on COVID-19 regulations was still in place.
“We want to remind FCT residents that the COVID-19 regulations is very much in place, people should know that the curfew that starts from 10. Pm to 4. Am daily is also in place”
Manza explained that those who operate beer parlours and restaurants should adhere to the guidelines.
Also fielding questions from journalists, the chairman FCT Ministerial Task Team on COVID-19, Ikharo Attah said Nigerians especially FCT residents should comply to the safety guidelines.
“Most of the people are thinking that the issue of COVID-19 is gone, but is not over, the fight against the pandemic is still on, so we must strictly adhere to the rules.
“We in the FCT are law abiding because the guidelines issued by the PTF have not been lifted, the people must understand that the protocols are in place, restaurants, beer parlours and drinking joints are not allowed to operate, it is because of these violations that the defulters in Pana village have been arrested” he said.
He listed the places sealed for 4 days to include Chioma restaurant, Madam Okosu and Mrs. Hashimu.
