COVID -19: FCT mobile court convicts 24, seals off 3 joints

FCT Mobile Court has convicted 24 persons and sealed off three joints for violating COVID-19 regulations 2020.

The regulations were made by Presidential Order, pursuant to Section 4 of the Quarantine Act, Cap. 02, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

IdayatAkanni, the trial Magistrate, awarded N2,000 fine each to the 24 defaulters that pleaded guilty with an option of a one-day community service in any of the government facilities.

Other three alleged violators who pleaded not guilty are to appear before Magistrate court Wuse zone II on Friday, Aug. 21.

The prosecutor, UdemeUmanah, who read the charges before the COVID-19 regulation defaulters arrested at Pana village in Utako district, said the offences bordered on violation of the dusk-todawn curfew.

Umanah also said that the offences were violation of ban on social gatherings and the violation of compulsory wearing of face masks when appearing in public.

“The court tried them and convicted them, except for three who denied liability.

“Those that pleaded guilty are to pay a fine of 2,000 or go for one-day community service, also three joints have been sealed off for four days,” he said.

Commenting the judgment, the Police Command Spokesperson for FCT, AnjuguriManza, said the police stance on COVID-19

on regulations was still in place.

“We want to remind FCT residents that the COVID-19 regulations are very much in place.

“People should know that the curfew that starts from 10p.m. to 4.a.m daily is also in place,” he said.

Manza advised those who operated joints and restaurants to adhere to the guidelines. (NAN)