Kwara state Chief Magistrate Court on Wednesday sentenced three violators of lockdown order of the state government over coronavirus pandemic to one-month community service.
The offenders are Amos Phillip, Babangida Dontatin, Baroye Abel, sawmill operators, are to sweep premises of the state High Court between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm starting from Thursday, April 16, 2020.
The offenders, who are first time offenders, pleaded guilty to the offences after the complaint was read to them.
They also pleaded for mercy after their conviction, saying they will henceforth obey the order of the government.
The Police First Information Report (FIR) had it that the violators were arrested by the police patrol team, led by SP Olaoye Akinwale, at Sawmill area of Ilorin metropolis while engaging in commercial activities against stay-at-home order of the government.
In his judgment, presiding Chief Magistrate Bio Saliu told the convicts that violating the order is another offence.
He said that the community service would be supervised by officers of the Correctional Services.
Mr. Saliu added that the violators had right of appeal within 30 days, adding that they should produce guarantor/surety that would liaise with the court and police to make them appear for their punishment.
The magistrate also said that the punishment will serve as deterrent to others who are still disobeying government directive, designed to curb spread of the virus that has killed thousands of people across the world.
The Police First Information Report (FIR) had it that the violators were arrested by the police patrol team, led by SP Olaoye Akinwale, at Sawmill area of Ilorin metropolis while engaging in commercial activities against stay-at-home order of the government.