There was a mild drama on Friday as Wakilu Muslim of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Iskeel Awwal on Friday led an enforcement team to disperse defiant worshipers while Juma’at prayer was in progress at Najomo Mosque, Adatan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
A 78 – year old Chief Imam, Barrister Moshood Taiwo was leading the Friday prayer when the taskforce stormed the Mosque, disrupted the session and dispersed the worshipers.
Taiwo engaged the Commander of the Taskforce, CSP Toyin Afolaogun, in a heated argument, saying he did no wrong by conducting Juma’at prayer.
He insisted that the worshipers were exercising their rights and to pray to God to wipe Coronavirus out of the country.
When the taskforce commander reminded him that the government had banned gathering of over 20 people, the daring Imam said he had started prayer with only fifteen worshipers as he was unaware when the number increased above the limit.
“We are using the platform to call on God that we don’t want Coronavirus and God will hear our prayers”, the Cleric said.
He challenged the taskforce to arrest them and charged them to court.
The Imam also expressed worry that it was Wakilu Musleem who led the taskforce to disrupt the prayer session at the mosque.
The Wakilu retorted “Are you above the law? You disobeyed the law. It’s my duty as the Wakilu Musleem. We have announced that no mosque should hold Juma’at prayer.”
The taskforce commander equally stormed some motor parks where he enforced two passengers per seat directive.
Afolaogun urged the leaders of transport Union to ensure compliance with a view to curtailing the spread of the virus.
Addressing newsmen after the exercise, Afolaogun said there was compliance in the state, except for the mosque where people were dispersed.
“My message to the people is that they should stay home, quarantine yourself, that’s the best solution,” he said.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
