Borno nabs three clerics for flouting lockdown order

Three Islamic clerics have been arrested by Borno State Ministry of Justice for allegedly flouting the lockdown order by the state government.

The suspects reportedly conducted Jummat in mosques at the weekend.

Confirming the incident in Maiduguri yesterday, chairman of the state’s COVID-19 response team, Umar Kadafur, said: “This high-powered committee regrets the action of the clerics to prevent COVID-19 disease in metropolis and other communities.”

Kadafur, who is also the deputy governor, added that though the response team was not clear on penalties for lockdown violation, the suspects might face suspension.

His words, “It is unfortunate that some people are taking the COVID-19 pandemic lightly. Does that explain why they were defying the lockdown order.”

He added that the committee would submit the names of the clerics to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, for appropriate sanction.

The Commissioner of Information and member of committee, Babakura Jatau, added: “The suspected violators have been fished out. They are definitely going to face the full wrath of the law.”