COVID-19 RESTRICTION : EDO MOBILE COURTS CONVICT A HUNDRED IN BENIN CITY.

By  Esosa Omorogbe.




No fewer than a hundred people have been   convicted by the varrious mobile courts sitting in Benin Metropolis, Edo state capital, for allegedly contravening laid down restriction order of the state government.

Edo state government had, in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic, put series of precautionary measures, such social distancing, use of nose and face masks, controlled passengers in public and private vehicles as well as partial shutdown of business and offices.

 The state government also signed into law the Edo state executive quarantine regulations made pursuant to section 8 of the quarantine act,the public health law and other legislation, which gives legal sanctions to the response actions of the Edo State government.

Sequel to the signing of the law, the state Judiciary inaugurated the varrious mobile courts across the state with a magisterial status.

These courts commenced sitting imediatelly with people who have varriously been arrested appearing before the presiding Magistrates

In each of these mobile courts which has the full complement of a Magistrate court provided an opportunity for the accused to present a defense.

SPARKNEWS NAIJA's checks however revealed that non of those convicted was sentenced to the correctional service but we're either sentenced for an hour community service, a fine of about Five thousand Naira or an outright pardon based on age.

Those sentenced to an hour community service we're either asked to clear the gutter in a particular market or clear grass where it is available in any government complex.

It is however not clear if, with the current stand of government on eradicating Covid-19 completely from Edo tougher punishment may await any accused person appearing before the mobile court.
#SPARKNEWSNAIJA.(SNN)