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Lagos Police Arrest 243 COVID-19 Protocol Violators

The Lagos State Police Command has carried out a raid during which it arrested 243 violators of the COVID-19 protocols in the state.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, who said that the raid was carried out on some night clubs in the state.

He also said that other arrests that were made by the Command involved persons who violated the 12 midnight to 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government to curb the spread of COVID-19.

He said, “In continuation of the vow and commitment of the Command to enforce COVID-19 orders and protocols, the Command has not relented on its oars in making sure that there is total compliance with COVID-19 orders with a view to reducing or halting the spread of the pandemic.

“On Friday, 8th January 2021, during a night operation, that was coordinated and commanded by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, the Command pounced on some deviant night clubs where 237 violators were arrested.

“The clubs raided included Lounge 38, Bode Thomas Surulere (85 suspects) and Club Victoria’s, VI, (152 suspects) while six were arrested for violating the Federal Government imposed 12 midnight to 4am curfew in the state.

“In total, 243 violators were arrested and are being paraded today.

“Gentlemen of the press, the Command wishes to reiterate its zeal and commitment to due and total enforcement of COVID-19 protocols and orders including the Federal Government 12 midnight to 4am curfew in Lagos State, as police officers and men, with the help of other security agencies, will go after and arrest any violators, no matter how highly placed, and cause them to face the full wrath of the law.

“The position of the law is clear on the protocols being put in place to halt the spread of the pandemic and the safety of all Lagosians in general.

“The suspects arrested so far by the command have been charged to court and this set, arrested overnight, will be arraigned with immediate effect.

“The club owners are hereby strictly warned to comply with the State Government’s directive of immediate and total closure of clubs as they will not only be prosecuted but may have to recommend to the State Government the stringent punishment of confiscation of the C of O of the club as it has been observed that most of the clubhouses were not initially built and approved to be used as clubhouses by Lagos State Government.

The Commissioner urged Lagosians to observe the COVID-19 guidelines and protocols religiously as the pandemic is real and a global reality that must be collectively tackled.

“The general public is also urged to be involved and assist the government in the ongoing advocacies to halt the spread of the pandemic in Lagos State and Nigeria at large,” he added.

The PUNCH