9th April, 2020
The police in Lagos have arrested 202 residents of the state for flouting the lockdown order aimed at checkmating the spread of Coronavirus pandemic.
Bala Elkana, Lagos State Police Command’s spokesman said police officers on enforcement of restriction of movements order, on Thursday arrested 202 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, which neglect the principles of social distancing,” he said in a statement.
Elkana added that the suspects were arraigned at the 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. Among the suspects charged, one hundred and eighty nine 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 each as fines. They are also sentenced to two hours community service, which was supervised by officials of social welfare.
“The suspects were arrested along Iju, Sabo, Ikeja, Itire, Ikotun, Ogudu, Akinpelu, Maroko, Alapere, Anthony, Orile, Owode Onirin and Ilemba Hausa areas. The suspects are within ages 15 and 42,” he said.