Over 100 residents arrested in Rivers state for violation lock down order

Over 100 residents of Rivers state were arrested and prosecuted for violating a lock down order issued by the state government. 

Governor Nyesom Wike announced last week about the closure of land and sea borders in the state and a ban on vehicles entering or leaving the state. He also announced the setting up of surveillance posts at the state borders to screen people coming into the state and a ban on burials, weddings, and other social gatherings in the state.

Residents of the state who were arrested by the police in different parts of Port Harcourt between Monday and Thursday were charged with three-count of conspiracy, disobedient to Governors’ directive, street trading which caused a breach of public peace.

They were arraigned before Dr Rita Oguguo, Chief Magistrate D.D. Ihua-Maduenyi and Senior Magistrate V E Nweke in their various courts, granted bail to the suspects. 

Those who pleaded guilty were fined N10,000 while those who pleaded not guilty were granted bail of N100,000 with two sureties who must be verified by the prosecutors. Their cases were adjourned to 6th of April for hearing.

The state government was in turn accused of not practicing the social distancing it has been canvassing for, as over 100 persons were reportedly placed in one cell unit.