The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) COVID-19 Taskforce has sealed up four parks and gardens while 12 people were arraigned in court over safety protocols violations.
Speaking to newsmen after the enforcement exercise, the Head, Media and Enlightenment, FCT COVID-19 Taskforce, Comrade Ikharo Attah, explained that the order to seal up the four gardens for a period of two weeks was issued by an FCT mobile court.
The parks and gardens are Byuan Resources Ltd Resort, Skychef Park and Garden, 7th Option Park and Leisure Service all in Garki II, and Eden Park and Garden, Utako.
He said the parks and gardens had contravened the Presidential Task Force ( PTF ) on COVID-19 regulations, regarding operation of bars, night clubs, gardens and the like.
Ikharo also revealed that about 12 people earlier arrested at the four gardens very late in the night, would be prosecuted in court over COVID-19 offences.
“We went out just before Christmas celebration and met some parks violating COVID-19 regulations and we did our operation.
“Because we are enforcement officers and not the judge, we arrested and took them to the judge through our prosecutor and the judge found them guilty. The judge gave those arrested the option of fine, and gave seal up order for the four parks and gardens affected.
“What we observe is that most of them operate beyond the period. The persons who were in the shops didn’t comply with physical distancing. Face masks weren’t there at all and no hand washing points.
“They were totally in breach of the COVID-19 protocols and the judge in his wisdom, Magistrate Egbe Arafe, issued seal up order for two weeks.
“After the two weeks, we will now come back to the court and continue the trial.”
Ikharo, advised other gardens and parks to do the needful, saying the taskforce would focus on night clubs and ensure strict compliance to the safety protocols.