Ekiti State Ministry of Justice has issued “A PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE TEMPORARY LIFTING OF CURFEW” in the state.

Legaldeskng learnt that the statement was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL), the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Olawale Fapohunda, said the curfew will be relaxed for 6am and 2pm on Tuesday and Thursday respectively

He said however that “For the purpose of clarity the EKITI STATE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (PREVENTION OF INFECTION) REGULATIONS, 2020 remains in force. This temporary lifting of curfew is not a complete reversal of existing measures, as curfew will be re-imposed once the break has lapsed”

The existing measures in question include restriction of movements of persons and goods; closure of businesses, Oja-Oba and Oja Bisi Markets; prevention and prohibitions of Gatherings; closure of boundaries and prohibition of public transport.

The Hon. AG further said: “The public should endeavor to return to their households before the commencement of the curfew period”. He also urged the persons who venture out to follow strict hygiene measures and requests all pharmacies, shops, eateries selling essential goods to disperse any crowds and gatherings when catering to customers.

Lamenting that many people have been arrested for defying the curfew Regulations and have been prosecuted and many have been convicted with diverse punishments, the AG said: “the Ministry of Justice and Security Agencies have been directed to continue to maintain strict action against any person who violates the curfew. Any vehicle, motorcycle or tricycle venturing during curfew period will be confiscated. Security Agencies have been further directed to patrol main roads as well as by-roads, lanes and footpaths and arrest anyone breaking the curfew.”

He concluded by urging the people to “adhere to all quarantine measures put in place by the state government to control the spread of the virus. We must now be fully aware of how dangerous this pandemic is, especially since countries with a highly developed health services sector are overwhelmed. We as a state do not wish to face such a stark situation.”