The Lagos State commissioner of police, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered the immediate release of suspects arrested for minor offences as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
This was stated in a statement issued by command spokesperson, Bala Elkana, on Saturday.
According to the statement, Mr Odumosu has also deployed policemen to enforce the ban on social and religious gatherings of more than 50 persons as directed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Mr Sanwo-Olu on Friday ordered the police and other security agencies to arrest people gathering in large numbers.
To that effect, Mr Elkana said, the Lagos police have “deployed adequate resources across the state to ensure that the orders are fully obeyed.”
The police PRO clarified that “the order imposed ban on social gatherings such as wedding ceremonies, naming ceremonies, burial ceremonies, parties, clubs and religious gatherings of people more than 50.”
He added that they will also go after commercial vehicles carrying passengers above capacity. “Members of the public are encouraged to avoid overcrowding themselves at bus stops, market places, business places and scene of incidents,” the statement said.
Calling on Lagosians to obey the safety regulations, the police command says it has rolled out its medical team to market places to create awareness about coronavirus.
The team will also visit detention facilities to monitor the health of suspects.
