Connect with us

Uncategorized

COVID-19: Ekiti releases advisory on prosecution of violators of safety orders

Published

Ekiti crisis



Ekiti State Government has released advisory to law enforcement agencies on measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus in the state.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Fapohunda, said,

“The purpose of this advisory is to clarify the legal framework for the effective prosecution of persons who violate state sanctioned measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in the state”.

The advisory dated March 23 made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, stipulated that anyone

“who intentionally exposes another to COVID-19 be prosecuted for the offence of assault or murder as applicable” under Section 247b of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State.

It also stipulated handling of refusal of medical examination, prophylaxis treatment, isolation and quarantine to include getting of a court warrant by security agents to isolate or quarantine such person at the state Isolation Centre.

It stated that “a law enforcement officer faced with a person who has been clinically confirmed as having COVID-19, or who is suspected of having contracted it, or who has been in contact with a person who is a carrier of COVID-19 shall, among others, apply to the magistrate court for a warrant for the detention of such person in the isolation centre”.

The advisory also stipulated arrest and detention for breach of the prohibition of persons in quarantine and isolation and as well prosecution under necessary laws for

“any person who intentionally misrepresents that he/she or any other person is infected with COVID-19. 

READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Arewa Youths want Oyedepo arrested

“Law enforcement officers are invited to note that the provisions of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State 2012 as they apply to the prosecution of persons who fail to comply with or contravene the measures adopted by the government of Ekiti State”.

Fapohunda said gathering of more than 20 persons, overloading by commercial vehicles and motor bikes, violation of closure of schools, unlawful entrance into isolation centre and hindrance or obstruction to law enforcement agents

“may be prosecuted for the offence under the provisions of sections 61, 202 and 203 of the Criminal Code Law, cap C16 Laws of Ekiti State 2012”.

The AG reiterated the state government’s commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of all those living in Ekiti State.

Advertisement
Comments



Trending