Following the ban on public gathering that would attract over 50 people the Ogun State Police Command has threatened to arrest and prosecute anybody or group that violate the directives.
The state government, like some other states in the country placed restrictions and bans on high density gatherings such as churches, mosques, restaurants, cinemas and sports arenas in the state.
The ban was to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state.
The Ogun Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, in a statement, advised people to steer clear of gatherings that would attract 50 or more persons, warning that the Police was ready to arrest and prosecute violators of the directive.
Abimbola, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), added that the Command’s Tactical Squad, Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders have been mandated to enforce the directive over COVID – 19.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police had also given directive for the release from detention, all suspects of minor offences in order to decongest cells and prevent the spread of the virus among inmates.
He stated: “In view of the outbreak of coronavirus also known as COVID -19 which has been declared by world Health Organization as pandemic and the subsequent order by the Federal and Ogun state governments banning all form of social and religious gathering, the Ogun state police command wishes to inform the general public of its readiness to embark on full enforcement of the banning order.
“To that effect, all the command’s tactical squads as well as area Commanders and DPOs have been activated to ensure the full implementation of the order and to make sure that the order is obeyed to the letter.
“The commissioner of Police, Kenneth Ebrimson therefore appeals to members of the public to stay clear of any social or religious gathering that may attract up to 50 people as the command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute the organizer of such event.
“In addition, the commissioner of police has ordered immediate release of all suspects been detained for minor offences in all police detention facilities across the state as part of the preventive measure while the police medical team has been directed to take the awareness campaign to market places and detention facilities to safeguard the suspects safety.
“Members of the public can reach the command through the control room number 08081770416 or 08081770419 if they noticed anywhere where the banning order is not been obeyed.”
