…To spend 14 days in isolation centres, one month community service
Police impound 600 vehicles in Lagos
Joy Anyim
Seventy-eight Lagosians, arrested for violating the social distancing order by the state government, have been arraigned and sentenced to 14 days of isolation, and one month of community service.
While 600 vehicles had also been impounded by Lagos State Police Command, the suspects were said to have been arrested while playing football and exercising, in major streets in Lagos.
They were arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court, Yaba on Wednesday.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Elkana Bala, the suspects would spend 14 days of Isolation at government isolation centres, and one month community service afterwards.
Bala said, “Police Officers on enforcement of restriction of movements order arrested 78 suspects for violating the stay at home directives of Government.
“The suspects were arrested playing football on major streets and having group exercise in large number, thereby neglecting the principles of social distancing.
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“The suspects were arraigned in Chief Magistrate Court Yaba 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.
“Seventy-three of the suspects pleaded guilty to the charge while three pleaded not guilty.
“The Court ordered that all the suspects should be kept in Government Isolation Centres for 14 days and thereafter serve one month community service.
“The three suspects who pleaded not guilty will after observing the 14 days isolation, be brought to Court for trial.
“The suspects were arrested along Bush street, Gbagada expressway, Ogudu, Iyana Iba, Ojo road, Ebute Metta, Asimowu street Itire and Ajegunle. ”
The command also urged Lagosians to call the following numbers for information or complaints regarding non-compliance – 09010512285, 09010512286, 09010512287 and 09010512288.