By Muhammad Mohammed, Abuja
No fewer than twenty-two persons were yesterday sentenced to pay a fine of N2,000 each or undertake one week community service, for violation of the COVID-19 Health Protocols, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Our correspondent reports that the 22 defaulters were arrested from different parts of the FCT and arraigned before the COVID-19 Mobile Court sitting at the Eagles Square.
After the one-count charge was read before the court presided over by Magistrate Idayat Akanni, they all pleaded guilty and were sentenced to pay a fine of N2,000 each or undertake one week community service accordingly.
Speaking earlier, the Prosecutor before the court, Udeme Umana, had informed the court that the affected persons were found not wearing facemasks, and some of them, who had one were not wearing it properly.
He revealed that they were apprehended by the FCT Covid-19 Enforcement Taskforce, from Wuse, Utako, Jabi and Kado Market respectively, for the said offence.
Reacting to the development, the Head, Media and Enlightenment of FCTA COVID-19 Enforcement team, Comrade Ikharo Attah, reiterated that the taskforce would not relent to enforce strict adherence to the established health regulations.
Attah noted that the officials during its routine enforcement exercise that led to the arrest of the defaulters had evaded arrest by a trader at Wuse Market, disclosing that mobile court had issued an order for the arrest of the person at large, to ensure justice is served.
He added that the Abuja Markeks Management Ltd (AMML), managers of Wuse Market, had pledged to assist in the hunt for the defaulting trader that evaded arrest.