Lockdown violation: Mobile court convicts cleric, others

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mobile Court sitting at the Eagles Square has convicted an Islamic Cleric for organizing prayers in contravention of the prevailing sit-at-home orders of government.
Our correspondent reports that the cleric, Malam Isa Ismail and two others were arrested at a popular Mosque in Wuse 2 District for violating government’s orders to organize prayers in a manner that puts public health at risk.
Leader of FCT Enforcement Team, Mr. Ikharo Attah, who frawned at continuous violations of the lockdown order by religious leaders and other residents within the Territory, disclosed that the 15 mobile courts sitting at different locations have convicted up to 500 violators, and impounded several vehicles.
He called on residents to stop undermining government’s efforts at curtailing the spread of COVID 19, saying the killer virus is not a respecter of persons nor religion.
According to him, the FCTA mobile court sitting at Eagle Square today convicted an Imam of a popular Mosque in Wuse 2 District for holding worship in contravention of the lockdown rules.
“Imam Isa Ismail and two other worshippers were convicted and fined N2,000 each with community service. They will be cleaning the neighbourhood for 24 hours, to serve as deterrent to others.
“Several motorists were also arrested and arraigned before the mobile court. Since the mobile courts started sitting, about 500 violators have been convicted. Many of them were fined and released after paying the fines.
“Based on the discretion of the court, the convicted violators were fined and released, because sending them to Correctional Centres would undermine government’s efforts towards decongesting Correctional Centres and other detention facilities across the country. Moreso, many of the convicts were first time offenders.”