An Abuja mobile court has issued an order shutting down Wuse market in Zone Five over breach of COVID-19 prevention regulations in the market.
UTC market and the Murg Shopping Plaza both in Area 10, Garki, Abuja were also sealed off by the court.
The federal capital territory (FCT) COVID-19 taskforce which visited the markets on Monday, reportedly discovered there were no infrared thermometer checks, and no facemask or hand sanitiser used by traders in the market.
The team also arrested individuals within the markets in public vehicles around the Eagle square for failing to use facemasks.
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Over 100 persons were arraigned before the mobile court.
Idayat Akanni, the magistrate, convicted the accused persons, and issued them N2, 000 fine each with an option of carrying out a two-week community service.
The magistrate said the convicts were handed lesser penalties because they are first offenders.
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Speaking during the exercise, Ihkaro Attah, head, media and enlightenment of FCTA COVID-19 enforcement team, said: “The presidential regulations has given our enforcement team the teeth to bite and the FCT minister has also given his backing for the full implementation of the presidential regulations.”
The president, on January 26, signed the COVID-19 health protection regulations 2021 which prescribes a six-month jail term for persons convicted of flouting any COVID-19 guideline.
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