Lekki tollgate protesters risk six months jail term over ‘violation’ of COVID-19 protocol

The protesters arrested at the Lekki tollgate, on Saturday, may face up to six months in jail over alleged violation of the COVID-19 regulations of the country.

The police had arrested some youths, who were protesting the resumption of operations at the Lekki tollgate, and later charged them to court.

However, a Yaba magistrate court granted bail to the arrested protesters.

Explaining why they were arrested, Muyiwa Adejobi, Lagos police spokesperson, alleged that the actions of the protesters could cause breach of public peace and disregard for COVID-19 protocol, especially regarding the use of nose masks and social distancing.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Adejobi added that the protesters have been asked to present their COVID-19 test certificates, before the next court adjournment date.

“The command has arrested forty (40) suspects at Lekki Toll Gate plaza, Lagos State, on Saturday 13th February, 2021, for conspiracy, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and violation of COVID-19 protocols,” the statement reads.

“The suspects had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate plaza creating tension and behaving in such a manner that could cause breach of public peace, without due regard for COVID-19 protocol, major of which are use of nose masks and social distancing.

“The command has, however, arraigned the suspects today to the mobile court at Panti, Yaba accordingly but were however granted bail by the court. They will appear in court on the next date of adjournment, 2nd March, 2021, with the certificates of COVID-19 test.”

If convicted according to the COVID-19 health protection regulations 2021, the protesters may spend up to six months in jail, but with an option of fine.

On January 27, President Muhammadu Buhari had signed a new law prescribing six months imprisonment for any person convicted of disobeying any COVID-19 regulation.

“Any person who contravenes the provisions of these Regulations commits an offence; any person who, without reasonable cause, contravenes a direction given under Parts 1 and 2 of these Regulations commits an offence; any person who, without reasonable cause, obstructs an authorised official from enforcement of these Regulations commits an offence; an offence under these Regulations is punishable, on summary conviction, by a fine or a term of six months imprisonment or both in accordance with Section 5 of the Quarantine Act,” the document reads.