The Delta State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a fleeing imam, Alhaji Mohammed Okotie, who allegedly flouted the sit-at-home order of the state government to curtail the spread of coronavirus.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, who disclosed this on Monday in Asaba, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, had ordered the arrest of the imam.

She said,

“CP already directed for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the imam. The laws of this country are very unambiguous. It applies to all. The imam cannot claim to be holier than anyone.

“As a Muslim, our leaders (political and religious) have enjoined all of us to be law-abiding and adhere strictly to what our leaders directed us to follow.

“COVID-19 is a matter of life and death. Why should someone who endangered the lives of innocent souls be spared? This can’t be so with me. I am a Muslim and determined to prosecute the imam to serve as a deterrent to those who take delight in violating rules and regulations.”