Police Officers on enforcement of restriction of movements order 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.

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.

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 ten thousand naira 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.

According to reports, a task force arrested violators of the order in over fifteen areas in the state including Yaba, Agege, Ogudu/Ojota and Iju while they were either jogging, cycling or loitering.

They were charged before two magistrates – Makanju Oshodi and Nurudeen Layeni of the Lagos Mobile Courts.

They all faced a charge of violating the Social Distancing Directives contrary to Regulation 1(1) of the COVID-19 Regulations which is punishable under Section five of the Public Health Law of Lagos State, twenty fifteen.

The violators who mostly pleaded guilty to the charge, were ordered to pay fines ranging from five thousand naira to ten thousand naira to the Lagos State Government.

The courts also ordered them to immediately begin a two-hour community service.

Many of them who pleaded guilty to the charge were ordered to pay fines ranging from N5,000 to N10,000 to the Lagos State Government and ordered to immediately begin a two-hour community service.

The Coordinator Mobile Courts, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara-Banjoko said that over 260 persons had been tried at the Mobile Courts for various violations since the lockdown began in Lagos.

“All juvenile offenders and persons with special needs that were apprehended were not arraigned at the Mobile Courts, they are over 50 and are not a part of the over 260 persons tried at the mobile courts.

“Deaf and dumb persons were separated because we do not have an interpreter. Fines of N10,000 and community service were handed by the court,” she informed.

Addressing newsmen after the proceedings, the Coordinator Mobile Courts, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Arinola Ogbara-Banjoko said that all juvenile offenders and persons with special needs that were apprehended were not arraigned.

She said that they were to carry out community service as punitive measure.

Similarly, fifteen vehicles were impounded by Lagos State Transport Management Authority, LASTMA for lack of clearance to ply the road during the lockdown.

For information or complaints regarding non compliance call the following numbers 09010512285, 09010512286, 09010512287 and 09010512288.