Three Imams, two pastors and 68 others were on Sunday April 26, convicted by a mobile court sitting at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
The lockdown violators were arraigned before Magistrate Idayat Akonni and were handed a one month imprisonment. They were given an option of N5,000 fine in addition to a supervised community service for one day.
The convicted Imams are Abdullahi Mohammed of Gwarinpa Estate, Suleiman Idris of Mubi Close, Area 11, Garki and Deputy Imam Useni Umar of the same address.
The convicted Pastor include; Phillips Olumbori of Celestial Church of Christ, Lugbe and Rev. Moses Chinedu of Mercy City Gospel Centre, Aco Estate, Lugbe.
Chairman FCT Ministerial Enforcement Task Team on COVID-19 Operations, Ikharo Attah who commented on the court judgement said;
“The verdict, though mild, is a welcome development. Those sentenced should be worried because they are now ex-convicts having been found guilty and sentenced by a competent court of law.
“Why has it become very difficult for custodians and enforcers of divine laws to obey national laws that do not prohibit or infringe on their freedom of religion?”