In a bid to curb the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus, authorities in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja have established an outdoor mobile court in an effort to prosecute individuals and institutions violating rules imposed. With the spike in the a second wave of infections, with over 143,516 cases and 1,710 deaths reported, these figures are believed to fall short of the real toll since the testing capacity is low. The use of face masks are compulsory in public spaces and social distancing is advised across the country, but these rules are rarely observed by all sundry across Lagos, Ogun and Abuja.
Since early February, a mobile court setup at the Eagles Square few steps away from the Supreme Court and National Assembly complex in Abuja have prosecuted violators who failed to adhere to the Covid-19 rules.
“Today, we had about 46 people, three were minors,” Attah Ikharo, chairman of the task force said on Wednesday.
“Those who pleaded guilty (for not properly wearing a mask) were fined 2,000 naira (about $5),” said defense lawyer Nnamdi John.
Punishments can include community service and even jail term. Last month, President Muhammadu Buhari signed a new law in January prescribing a six months jail sentence for those disobeying Covid-19 guidelines.
The city’s task force is hoping to establish two more mobile courts by the end of the week as the virus continues to spread across the metropolis.
A variant strain of coronavirus has been discovered in recent months in Nigeria but it remains unclear whether it is more contagious or deadly.
The country is expecting to receive 16 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the Covax programme by the end of the month and also 1 million unit of vaccine donated by BUA groups.
