A court in Benin, Edo state has sentenced 32 people to community services for violating COVID-19 protocols by not wearing face masks.
The Edo state government had made it compulsory for residents to wear face masks and obey other Covid-19 protocols in order to curb and curtail the spread of the deadly virus.
According to the Prosecuting Counsel, Uyi Omoruyi, said that the 32 people were arrested within Benin metropolis and they pleaded guilty to the offence.
The Chief Magistrate, Rusberth Imafidon, directed the convicts to carry out community services in line with the Correctional Centre of Non-custodian regulation.
The punishment includes clearing drains, shrubs, picking of trash, compulsory community sensitisation and grass cutting among others.
Mr. Imafidon noted that the offenders should be punished for three hours for two days to serve as a deterrent to other violators.
DAILY GIST however gathered that the prosection counsel did not give them any option of a fine.
He ordered that correctional officers should supervise offenders during the punishment period.
