SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, (THEWILL) – The FCT Magistrate Court has re-opened Jabi Lake Mall, which was closed 10 days ago after a Naira Marley concert held there broke COVID-19 protocols.
In her ruling Tuesday, Magistrate Idayat Akanni, ordered the mall reopened since the mall’s management has shown regret for going against the COVID-19 restrictions.
The magistrate also ordered the management to tender a public apology to the federal government in the national dailies.
Akanni also disclosed that the court’s decision was hinged on the application filed by the defence counsel, Nnamdi Ekwem, stating that the negative economic loss of the continued closure of the mall would have on its over 100 employees will be traumatic.
“The order is also based on compassion, especially, in consideration of the economic losses that will be suffered by those affected, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 on the people.”
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Reacting to this, Ikharo Attah, chairman of FCT ministerial taskforce on COVID -19, disclosed that the FCTA had no objection “because the administration wants to remain a model in obeying the rule of law”.