FCTA seals 4 parks, arrests 12 persons for violating COVID-19 protocols

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed off four parks and arrested 12 persons for violating COVID-19 protocols in the city.

The sealed parks include; Byuan Resources Ltd Resort; Skychef Park and Garden; 7th Option Park and Leisure Service all within Garki II and Eden Park and Garden located in Utako.

Head of Media and Enlightenment of FCT COVID-19 Taskforce, Mr Ikharo Attah, confirming the development to newsmen, said the order to seal off the gardens was issued by the FCT Mobile Court who found them flouting Presidential TaskForce (PTF) COVID-19 regulations restricting operation of bars, night clubs, gardens among others.

Attah stated that the 12 persons arrested at the four gardens would appear before the Court for judgement.

He said; “We went out just before Christmas celebration and met some parks violating COVID-19 regulations and we did our operation.

“Because we are enforcement officers and not the judge, we arrested and took them to the judge through our prosecutor and the judge found them guilty. Although, the judge gave those arrested the option of fine, and gave seal off order for the four parks and gardens affected.

“What we observe is that most of them operate beyond the period. The persons who were in the shops didn’t comply with physical distancing. Face masks were not there at all and no handwashing points.

“They were totally in breach of the COVID-19 protocol and the judge in his wisdom, Magistrate Egbe Arafe issued seal off order for two weeks. After two weeks, we will now come back to the court and continue the trial.”