Ndudi Anyim
For violating the COVID-19 protocols, 172 clubbers have been arrested and arraigned at the Mobile Court in Oshodi Lagos.
Security Watch Africa gathered that the suspects were arrested at Cubana Night Club, in Victoria Island, on Saturday around 2a.m.
Briefing journalists on the arrest in Lagos, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Hakeem Odumosu, said the suspects did not keep social distance, wear a facemask and violated the midnight to 4a.m. curfew.
Odumosu, who revealed that the owner of the club fled on sighting police operatives, added that some staff of the club were arrested and will be arraigned.
Decrying the gross disregard for the protocols which is meant to reduce the spread of Covid-19, the CP urged Lagosians to comply with the laws.
He said: “ Despite all the effort by state and the policies being rolled out, most youths who are the leaders of tomorrow still find it difficult to comply. There ladies and gentlemen were arrested early hours of Saturday around 2a.m. at Cubana Night Club, Victoria Island.
“ They were 172 of them other in a club, no social distance, no facemask, which cretes and environment for Covid-19 to spread. They have violated the law of the state and the law will take its course.
“ Whatever decision the court takes, we will comply. Ours is to get them arrested for violating the covid-19 regulation and charge them to court, it is at the discretion of the magistrate or precising judge to decide what punishment will be metted on them for violating the law. ”
He reemphasized the total ban on clubbing saying other social engagements could still hold with approval from the Lagos State Safety Commission.
Stating that most club owners were in the habit of fleeing after their clubs are bursted, only to show up later, once the club is closed, Odumosu assured that the owner of Cubana will as others come forward to answers for his action.
“ When we raided Club Victoria at Ajose Adeogun, the owner was not there, he disappeared, but came out after the club was sealed. Also at club 38 at Bode Thomas, it was shut and the owner came out on his own
“ So we believe Cubana will come out. If he doesn’t open the club, the suspects will not go there, and if the clubbers don’t go there, he will be forced to close. So both parties are liable, ” he said.
Recall that Cubana Night Club at GRA Ikeja had been bursted by the police weeks back for violating Covid-19 protocols.
However a suspect, Natasha Davids who was arrested at the club said the police did not also keep to social distancing in their holding cells, as the suspect arrested were clustered in a cell.