202 Arrested Over Stay At Home Violation In Lagos

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The Lagos State  Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, may have sounded a serious note of warning by arresting 202 offenders, who violated the stay at home directive by the Government in the State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that on 9th April, 2020, Police Officers on enforcement of restriction of movements order arrested 202 suspects for violating the stay at home directives of Government, charged them before the Court and were reprimanded over the offence.

This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana. He said that the suspects were arrested playing football on major streets and having group exercises in large numbers, which negates the principle of social distancing.
“The suspects were arraigned in Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court 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.”

Elkana explained that among the suspects charged, 189 pleaded guilty to the charge while 13 pleaded not guilty.

“At the end of the trial, the suspects were found guilty as charged and ordered to pay ten thousand Naira each as fines. They were also sentenced to two hours community service, which will be supervised by officials of social welfare” Elkana stated.

He said that the convicts were arrested along Iju, Sabo, Ikeja, Itire, Ikotun, Ogudu, Akinpelu, Maroko, Alapere, Anthony, Orile, Owode Onirin and Ilemba Hausa areas and were within ages 15 and 42. He said that for any information or complaints regarding non compliance, citizens can call the following numbers: 09010512285, 09010512286, 09010512287 and 09010512288.