A mobile court at the Eagle Square in Abuja convicted three Imams, two pastors, and 68 others on Sunday, April 26.
The lockdown violators appeared before Magistrate Idayat Akonni and received a one-month imprisonment sentence. Alternatively, they were offered an option of N5,000 fine along with one day of supervised community service.
The convicted Imams are Abdullahi Mohammed of Gwarinpa Estate, Suleiman Idris of Mobi Close, Area 11, Garki, and Deputy Imam Useni Umar of the same address.
The convicted Pastors are Phillips Olumbori of Celestial Church of Christ, Lugbe and Rev. Moses Chinedu of Mercy City Gospel Centre, Aco Estate, Lugbe.
Ikharo Attah, Chairman of FCT Ministerial Enforcement Task Team on COVID-19 Operations, commented on the court judgment, stating, “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?”