COVID-19: Police arrest 202 violators for group exercises in Lagos
Some of the police officers on enforcement of restriction of movements order in Lagos State have arrested 202 suspects for violating the stay-at-home directives of the Lagos State Government.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bala Elkana, stated this in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday.
Elkana said that the suspects were arrested while playing football on some of the major streets and having group exercise in large numbers in parts of the state.
He said that the suspects whose actions violated the principle of social distancing had been charged to court.
He said that the suspects whose ages range from 15 years to 42 years were arrested in Iju, Sabo, Ikeja, Itire, Ikotun, Ogudu, Akinpelu, Maroko and Alapere areas of Lagos State.
Elkana said that the others were arrested around Anthony, Orile, Owode Onirin and Ilemba Hausa areas of the metropolis.
“The suspects were arraigned at the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court on a charge of violating the social distancing directives of the Lagos State Government.
“Their offence is contrary to the 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,” he said.
According to Elkana, 189 of the suspects 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 N10,000 naira each as fines.
“They were also sentenced to two hours community service, which was supervised by the officials of the state social welfare department.”
Elkana advised the public to send information or complaints regarding non-compliance with the directives of the state government by anyone on how to further curtail the spread of the pandemic to the following numbers: 09010512285, 09010512286, 09010512287 and 09010512288. (NAN)
