The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA Enforcement Team on Friday said 42 persons have been convicted by its Mobile Court which sat in different locations within the territory.
Chairman of the team, Ikharo Attah who stated this during a media interface in Abuja said the establishment of the mobile court has strengthened the operations of his team and reinvigorated its commitment towards achieving the objectives of the lockdown order.
Attah noted that while none of the convicts has been sent to any Custodial facility, they have been made to pay various fines for the offences they pleaded guilty to.
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He disclosed that about 38 Motorcycles were impounded in Dutse Alhaji for violating the ban placed on Okada operations in Kubwa and Dutse axis during this lockdown period.
According to him, the convicts often pleaded guilty to the offences, but have always prayed the court for leniency. He also stated that while the Magistrates remained firm in administration of justice, they have also been humane in punishing violators.
He said; “today, about 42 persons were convicted by the mobile courts that sat at four different locations around the territory. The mobile courts operations are both backed by the Department of Road Traffic Services, and Abuja Environmental Protection Board laws.
“The Enforcement Team has stopped being the accuser, prosecutor and the judge. What we do with the Mobile Courts is that once we arrest you for violating the lockdown, you will be handed over to the courts.
“We invaded a beer parlour in Dutse Alhaji that was overcrowded despite the lockdown, the people were arrested and handed over to the court.
“No convict has been taken to any Correctional Centre, because the mobile courts are operating with human face, the judges are very considerate. Most suspects who appeared before the courts pleaded guilty and were given options of fine to pay. The fines they pay is according to the discretion of the Magistrates. Vehicles impounded will have to remain with the Vehicle Inspection Officers till the end of the pandemic “
