You’ll Spend Six Months In Jail, Ogun Warns Face Mask Defaulters

Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State governor, has warned that anyone caught moving about in the state without a face mask will spend up to six months in jail.

The governor said this at a briefing on Wednesday, ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

He also reiterated the ban on large gatherings, whether for prayers or partying for the sallah holidays.

“We will all therefore have to celebrate solemnly with our families, as the Almighty Allah (SWT) grants us the grace to celebrate more Ileyas in our lifetime”, Abiodun said.

“All current measures and restrictions will remain in place for the general public.

“These include: 10 pm-4 am daily weekday curfew; total weekend lockdown; transport sector restrictions; decontamination and physical distancing; restaurants’ takeaway service allowance; measure compliance by industries; and wearing of facemasks, which if flouted is punishable by up to 6 months’ imprisonment under an extant Regulation and State Law”.

The governor expressed worry over the rising cases of COVID-19 infections in the state.

“It is worrisome that Ogun State, like Nigeria, has witnessed an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases since my last related press briefing.

“Despite our having screened over 10,000 persons and also tested about 5,611 people as at yesterday, 28th July, 2020; we have 1,326 confirmed cases; out of which 1,068 have been discharged; while we have an unfortunate record of 23 related fatalities; with 227 active cases,” he also said.

However, the state, which has been under pressure to reopen places of worship, alongside Lagos, has announced that Churches and Mosques will be allowed to reopen on August 14, 2020, under strict COVID-19 safety guidelines.