Court convicts 17 COVID-19 protocols violators in Edo

An Oredo Magistrate Court  has sentenced 17 persons to three hours community service for violating COVID-19 protocols in Edo State. Chief Magistrate Bright Eraze Oniha, however, said the community service must be carried out within the court premises. The suspects were convicted for  curfew  violation which had been imposed by the state government restricting movement […]

An Oredo Magistrate Court  has sentenced 17 persons to three hours community service for violating COVID-19 protocols in Edo State.

Chief Magistrate Bright Eraze Oniha, however, said the community service must be carried out within the court premises.

The suspects were convicted for  curfew  violation which had been imposed by the state government restricting movement between 10pm and 5am to check the spread of the second wave of the COVID-19.

The convicts are, Emmanuel Chukwuka, Abraham Timothy, Ikechukwu Ekeh, Festus Sylvester, Amadin Osazee, Owie Ben, Jessica Efe, Festus Osifo, Abigail Emmanuel, Samuel Sunny, Friday Iyoke, Chukudi John, Samuel Omobobule, Gift Obi, Ojo Ibrahim and Abdullahi Umar.

Nine of the convicts  were arrested at Adenyan, six in New Benin while two  others were arrested at  Aduwawa in Benin metropolis.

The convicts pleaded guilty to the charge.

Following their guilty plea,  the chief magistrate said  they  violated Regulation(s) 16(3) of the Edo State Dangerous Infectious Disease (Emergency Prevention) Regulation 2020, by disobeying the restriction of movement order and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 5 of the Quarantine Act, Cap Q2, Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The magistrate therefore sentenced them to three hours of community service within the court premises.