We’ll arrest, arraign violators of curfew, Lagos police warn

…Says 2,310 violators arrested, 2,092 vehicles impounded during lockdown

The Lagos state Police Command has declared its preparedness to strictly enforce the 8pm to 6am curfew imposed by the government as part of measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, as the state starts the journey to normalcy.

While stating that a total of 2,310 violators were arrested during the lockdown, the command warned that anyone who violates the curfew, which takes effect from today, will be arrested and arraigned in court.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Elkana Bala, who gave an update on enforcement of the lockdown in the state, 2,092 vehicles, 1,535 motorcycles and 369 tricycles were also impounded during the lockdown period.

Bala, who said the command was fully ready for the next phase of their assignment, said the use of face masks, keeping social distance in markets and work place, carrying the approved number of persons in commercial buses, ban on social and religious gatherings must be obeyed.

The statement issued on Sunday reads: “Following the measures put in place by Lagos state government and presidential directives on the cessation of movements in Lagos state (both intra and inter-states movements) to curb the spread of coronavirus, the command massively deployed its resources across the state to enforce the lockdown order.

“14 identified boundaries with neighbouring states were adequately manned. Tactical units were deployed to reinforce the conventional patrol teams.

“During the lockdown period, the command successfully arrested 2,310 violators. Some of the violators were arrested in clubs, some organised parties, or engaged in group exercise.

“A total of 2,185 suspects were charged to court while 125 suspects who are mostly minors, were warned and released.

“The suspects were awarded various degree of punishments by the courts, ranging from two hours to six months community service and fines between N5,000 and N100,000.

“Some were asked to write undertakings to be of good conducts/apology letters. A total of 2,092 vehicles were impounded within the same period for violating the lockdown order.

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“Out of the figure, 800 are private vehicles while 1,292 are commercial vehicles. 1,535 motorcycles and 369 tricycles were also impounded.

“The battle against coronavirus is not over yet. The command enjoins residents to adhere strictly with the guidelines issued by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and Lagos dtate government to stop the spread of the virus.

“The use of face masks is compulsory and social distancing principles must be maintained. Businesses and markets must stick to the opening and closing times allocated in the guidelines.

“Commercial vehicles operators must not carry passengers more than the number stipulated in the guidelines. The order restricting non-essential inter-state movements is still in force.

“The ban on social and religious gatherings has not been lifted. Schools remain closed until otherwise directed by the government.

“The 8pm to 6am curfew imposed on residents by the government will be strictly enforced. The enforcement teams are fully out to apprehend violators and arraign them in court.

“We must all take responsibility for our safety and the safety of our communities. Together we can stop the spread of COVID-19.”