COVID-19 Lockdown: Osun court sentences 14 for defying stay-at-home directive

A Magistrates’ court sitting in Osogbo, on Wednesday sentenced 14 persons to prison for defying the stay-at-home directive of the state government, as part of measures to curb the ravaging novel coronavirus.

The convicts are: Adeoye Johnson, Ibrahim Babatunde, Akinloye Lukman, Owolabi Afeez, Hammed Basharu, Akinwande Saheed, Seun Agboola, Aribidesi Muideen, Sulaimon Ismail, Olaleye Moses, Alade Mayowa, Muniru Bashiru , Sulaiman Basaru and Omodele Titilayo

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Adeoye Kayode, had earlier told the court that the convicts committed the offence on April, 8, 2020, in Osogbo, the state capital.

He added that the convicts, by their action had disobeyed the stay-at-home order imposed by the government as well as conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace.

Kayode said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 203 and 249(D) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. Il Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

Meanwhile, all the convicts pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of disobedience to the lock down order and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace preferred against them.

The presiding Magistrate, Dr. O.A. Ayilara thereby sentenced them to 2-month imprisonment with an option of #5,000 each.