Trending Story

COVID-19 Social Distancing : Police Nab Deviant Masquerader In Ogun

218

 

For violating the federal and state governments’ directives on social distancing and public gatherings, a masquerader who came out in the intense heat of the sun, causing people to mass around him, has been arrested by the police in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

Following a tip-off by some members of the public, police swooped on Ijeja area of Abeokuta, the state capital and apprehended the masquerader while scores of his followers scarpered at the sight of the armed security men.

Government had before the lockdown announced some precautionary measures and regulations to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state and across the country including social distancing.

It prohibited an assembly of people that is more than 20 either in churches or mosques and other social events.

Persecondnews recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari had in a broadcast on Sunday clamped a total lockdown on Abuja, Lagos and Ogun States as a result of the COVID-19 prevalence and discovery  of new cases.

In Yoruba parlance, masqueraders (egungun) are masked or costumed figures believed to be connected to the ancestors and are “spirits’’ from heaven.

“The masquerader before he was arrested had challenged the authority of the law enforcement agents and threatened to deal with them if they insisted on dispersing his followers.’’

Contacted, the State Police spokesman, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi,  confirmed the masquerader’s arrest, saying the gathering was held to celebrate the traditional masqueraders’ festival in the area.

He said the gathering had caused a scare and fear of a possible spread of COVID-19 among residents.

“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,” he said.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Dani Alves pays €1m bail, set to leave Spanish jail

Former Brazil and Barcelona star Dani Alves, convicted of rape in Spain,...

World TB Day: 70 percent of TB cases in Africa now being diagnosed and treated – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has disclosed that about 70 percent of...

13th AAG: Tobi Amusan wins gold in women’s 100m hurdles

The Nigerian sprint star, Tobi Amusan, won gold in the women’s 100m...

FG approves N12.7bln for mass metering of army barracks nationwide

The Federal Government says it has released N12.7 billion to provide electricity...

Women’s Day: Tinubu felicitates women, vows to prioritise their welfare, rights

President Bola Tinubu has promised to prioritize the welfare of women, protect...

All African Games: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles start their campaign on a losing note

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria started their campaign in the men’s football...

EFCC sets up task force to combat dollarization of economy, mutilation of naira

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the setting up...

How Bafarawa diverted N4.6bln from ex-NSA for prayers, election, acquire luxury vehicles

A startling revelation has been made about how a former governor of...

CBN redeploys 1,500 staff to Lagos

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has redeployed 1,500 staff...

AFCON: Pres. Tinubu says unimpressed with Super Eagles’ performance

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his displeasure over the performance of the...

I’ve not met a man kind enough to marry —Ini Edo

In a candid revelation, renowned actress, Ini Edo, has hinted about the...

Ogun CP visits shot Nollywood actor, Ijaduade, vows to punish trigger-happy cop

Nollywood actor and Director, Azeez Ijaduade, who was shot “accidentally” by a...

Breaking: Actor, Azeez Ijaduade, allegedly shot by policeman in Ogun

In a shocking incident that has sent shock waves to Yoruba section...

Fast and furious actor, Vin Diesel, accused of sexual assault

Vin Diesel, known for his role in the Fast & Furious Series,...

Anyone asking for money this festive season lacks conscience, fear God – Comedian AY

Amid Nigeria’s challenging economic downturn, renowned comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as...

Octogenarian actor, Dejumo Lewis, dies

Nollywood community was on Friday night thrown into grief as the news...

I’m lucky to have you as my wife, Lateef praises Mo Bimpe on 2nd wedding anniversary

Celebrating their second year wedding anniversary, Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji, has expressed...

Frank Edoho faces backlash for controversial remarks on infidelity

Renowned media personality, Frank Edoho, is under fire after making contentious comments...

Youngi Duu: Portable admits to confrontation, claims disrespectful gesture triggered clash

MThe recent incident involving an alleged physical assault on the emerging music...

I’m grateful to God, fans, for successful career in 2023 – Davido

Nigerian music star, Davido, has taken to the social media to chronicle...