Edo Court arraigns, convicts 9 for flouting COVID-19 protocol

Edo records 50 new cases, 4 recoveries as govt insists on compulsory use of facemasks

An Edo Magistrate Court in Oredo Magisterial District has convicted nine persons for violating the state government’s coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols, with the convicts sentenced to community service as punishment for refusing to wear facemasks in public and breaking the 10pm to 5am curfew in the state.

Also the State has recorded 50 new cases and four recoveries from the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, as the government intensifies efforts to curb the spread of the virus across all communities in the state and protect the people.

Twelve suspects were arraigned before the mobile court which held its sitting at the Edo State High Court premises, with Chief Magistrate Bright Eraze Oniha presiding.

The suspects arrested and convicted for refusing to wear facemasks include Abu Sani, Umaru Ali, Emmanuella Sylvester, Desmond Victory, Peter Nyashi, Franca Osas, Kashatu Mahmud and Clement Palmer.

They were convicted for violating regulations 8(6)(c) of the Edo State Dangerous Infectious Diseases (Prevention) Regulations 2020 and Section 203 of the criminal code law, Cap 48, Vol. II, law of the defunct Bendel State, 1976, as applicable to Edo State.

Four persons, namely Sylvester Alufokhai, Austin King, Austin Osaro and James Uyi, were arraigned for breaking the state’s curfew directive.

Of the four suspects, Sylvester Alufokhai was convicted for violating the regulation 16 (3) of the Edo State Dangerous Infectious Diseases (Prevention) Regulations (2020).

The Edo State Judiciary constituted Mobile Courts across the state to try violators of the Edo State Dangerous Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulations 2020, invoked by Governor Godwin Obaseki to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.

Also the State has recorded 50 new cases and four recoveries from the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, as the government intensifies efforts to curb the spread of the virus across all communities in the state and protect the people.

State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, disclosed this during a meeting of the Edo State COVID-19 Taskforce chaired by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

He noted that the government has intensified the enforcement of strict compliance with the state’s regulations to check the spread of COVID-19, including the compulsory use of facemasks in public places, among others.

According to him, “Edo State, within the last 24 hours, recorded 50 new cases and four recoveries, with 425 active cases currently receiving treatment at various isolation and treatment centres in the state.

“Cumulatively, we have collected a total of 27, 222 samples, out of which 3436 tested positive, while 2878 persons have recovered from the virus. Unfortunately, 133 people have died.

“In this second wave, we have collected a total of 7002 samples and 740 returned positive from the lab. The state has recorded 294 recoveries and 21 deaths since the onset of the second wave.”

Obi added: “As we continue to ramp up measures to curtail the spread of coronavirus and protect our people, we urge all residents to comply with health and safety protocols to contain the pandemic.”

He further charged citizens with any COVID-19 symptoms to contact the Edo Emergency Operation Centre on this toll-free number: 08003625000 for assistance.