By DAPO FALADE
A total number of 237 people were arrested during a raid on some night clubs and six others in Lagos State, on Friday, for allegedly violating the protocols put in place to checkmate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, made the disclosure during a press briefing, held at the state Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, to give an update on the enforcement of COVID-19 protocols in the state.
This was as he alleged that most of the night clubs are operating illegally in the state as, according to him, most of the club houses were not initially built and approved by the Lagos State government to be used for such purpose.
Parading the alleged violators during the briefing, Odumosu said 237 of them were arrested at two night clubs on Bode Thomas Street, Surulere and Victoria Island, while six others were arrested for violating the 12 midnight to 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government
“On Friday, 8 January, 2021, during a night operation, that was coordinated and commanded by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, the Command pounced on some deviant night clubs where 237 violators were arrested.
“The clubs raided included Lounge 38, Bode Thomas Surulere (85 suspects) and Club Victoria’s, VI, (152 suspects), while six were arrested for violating the Federal Government-imposed 12 midnight to 4am curfew in the state. In total, 243 violators were arrested and are being paraded today.
“Generally, it has been observed that many Lagosians have disregard for compliance with COVID-19 protocols across the state which has been so worrisome due to the consequences of such lackadaisical attitudes on our health status and the spread of the rampaging pandemic in the Lagos State.
“In continuation of the vow and commitment of the command to enforce COVID-19 orders and protocols, the command has not relented on its oars in making sure that there is total compliance with COVID-19 orders with a view to reducing or halting the spread of the pandemic,” he said.
The Lagos police boss restated the zeal and commitment of the state Command
to due and total enforcement of COVID-19 protocols and orders including the Federal Government-12 midnight to 4am curfew in Lagos State.
He said police officers and men, with the help of other security agencies, will go after and arrest any violators, no matter how highly placed and cause them to face the full wrath of the law.
“The position of the law is clear on the protocols being put in place to halt the spread of the pandemic and safety of all Lagosians in general.
“The suspects arrested so far by the command have been charged to court and this set, arrested over night, will be arraigned with immediate effect,” he said.
Odumosu also warned club owners to comply with the state government’s directive of immediate and total closure of clubs, declaring that violators will not only be prosecuted, but may also recommend to the state government the stringent punishment of confiscation of their Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os).
He said it has been observed that most of the club houses were not initially built and approved to be used as club houses by the Lagos State government.
“We wish to admonish Lagosians to observe the COVID-19 guidelines and protocols religiously as the pandemic is real and a global reality which must be collectively tackled.
“The general public is also urged to be involved and assist the government in the ongoing advocacies to halt the spread of the pandemic in Lagos State and Nigeria at large,” he added.
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