Two magistrates courts in Niger state presided over by Murtala Ibrahim and Halima Mohammed have convicted nine persons in Minna who violated the lockdown order meant to curb the spread of covid-19.
The convicted persons were however, ordered to pay fines of two thousand naira or serve the six months jail
Speaking at the premises of the State High Court, Minna, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman, Niger State Task Force on COVID-19, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, explained that the sitting of the mobile courts were part of the implementation of the Executive Order which Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has earlier pronounced and gazetted.
He said, “The conviction of the accused persons will serve as a deterrent to those that will defy the Executive Order, Government is serious in implementing to the latter all the restriction measures taken by Government.”
He said that the state government has also established mobile courts across the state meant to ensure enforcement and compliance to the order which he explained was aimed at protecting the people from the coronavirus pandemic.
He advised residents of the state not to undermine the restriction order on the lockdown which is for the benefit of the public.
In his remarks, lead Counsel, Barrister Suleman Wushishi, disclosed that nine persons were prosecuted and convicted following the violation of Niger State COVID-19 Preventive, Containment and Emergency Order.
