Covid-19: Police vows to arrest, prosecute unmask pedestrians, others in A’Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Police Command Wednesday, vowed to intensify the enforcement of compulsory use of face mask in public by all persons.

The Command maintained that any pedestrian, passenger, driver, buyer, seller, congregation and other persons found in the public without face mask would be arrested and prosecuted.

This was contained in a statement signed by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal and made available to newsmen in Uyo.

Edgal said he has directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and other members of the enforcement committee to abide by the new directives towards the drive to curb the upsurge of the novel coronavirus.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command in its renewed efforts and determination to enforce the provisions of the Quarantine and Restriction of Movement Regulations, 2020 as amended, reaffirms that wearing of facemask by all persons in public places will be vigorously enforced.

“For the avoidance of doubt, paragraph 12 (1) of the Quarantine and Restriction of Movement (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2020 states that “the use of facemask by all persons in public places is hereby made mandatory”. While paragraph 12(2) provides a fine of ten thousand naira (N10, 000.00) for a first time offender or community service for seven (7) days and a fine of twenty thousand naira (N20,000.00) for a second time and subsequent offender or community service for fourteen (14) days.

“In view of the foregoing, the Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and other members of the Enforcement Committee to arrest and prosecute any pedestrian, passenger, driver, congregation, seller, buyer and other persons found in public places without facemasks”, the statement added.

He also  urged all members of the public all to always wear facemasks in public places and follow other safety measures aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.     

Leave a Reply