Bukky Abioye
Mrs Olagunju Tolulope, standing trial before an Osun State Magistrate Court in Osogbo, for not putting on a face mask on Tuesday slumped during court session.
Olaguju who was arraigned alongside 55 others arrested for not wearing face mask in public slumps shortly after her charge was read, and was helped to a seat inside the court by another defendant.
Addressing the court, the police prosecutor, Adekunle Adeniyi, said the 56 defendants at 11:30am on August 4th 2020, engaged in conduct likely to breach public peace by not adhering to the laid down COVID-19 guidelines.
Adekunle said the offense is punishable under section 259(d)(3) of the Criminal Code Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.
The prosecution also accused one of the defendants, Siju Ajewole, of obstructing the course of justice by resisting arrest and assaulting an NCDC officer, Mrs Grace Fadare.
All defendants pleaded guilty to the charges.
The defence council Najite Okobi, urged the court to caution and discharge them but the Magistrate, Adebayo Ajala convicted the 56 defendants, sentencing 53 of them to two hours of community services without an option of fine.
Ajala in addition, sentenced Ajewole who was arraigned for assault, to extra two hours of community service or an option of N2,000 fine.
He however cautioned and discharged Olagunju, a pregnant woman and one Demilare Ajani on health grounds.
