TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday arraigned and convicted 27 persons who violated the Presidential order on Covid-19 guidelines.
This violation is against the Presidential Order pursuant to Section 4 of the Quarantine Act, Cap. 02, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The convicts (24 in numbers) were brought before the FCT Mobile Court presided over by Magistrate Idayat Akanni who sentenced the convicts to one day community service in any government agencies and fine varying between N2,000 to N 3,000 or a two weeks imprisonment.
She, however, adjoined the case of three defendants who pleaded not guilty to August 21st,2020
The Prosecutor Counsel , 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.
Fielding questions from newsmen, the Chairman FCT Ministerial Task Team on COVID-19 enforcement , Comrade Ikharo Attah said Nigerians especially FCT residents should comply to the safety guidelines.
According to him; “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, however, listed the places sealed for 4 days to include Chioma restaurant, Madam Okosu and Mrs. Hashimu.
While commenting on the judgement, the FCT Police command spokesperson, Anjuguri Manza said the police stance on COVID-19 regulations was still in place.
He stated that :”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.
