Coronavirus: Masquerader arrested for defying order in Ogun

The Police in Ogun state have arrested a masquerader for allegedly violating the federal and state governments’ order on social distancing and public gatherings in order to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed that the masquerader was arrested after he threatened to deal with the police officers if they dispersed his followers.

Oyeyemi said the masquerader was apprehended on Sunday in the Ijeja area of Abeokuta following a complaint by members of the public that some persons had gathered in their hundreds in the area.

The PPRO added that the gathering was to celebrate the traditional masquerader festival in the area.

He said the gathering created fear of a massive spread of the virus in the minds of residents of the area.

Oyeyemi stated;

“Upon the report, policemen from the Ibara Division moved to the area and warned the people to disperse, but the masquerader confronted the policemen and threatened to deal with them if they insisted on dispersing his followers.

“The masquerader was subsequently arrested and taken to the station, where he was warned to be law-abiding before he was released to a reliable surety.”