The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the Ministry of Justice to discontinue the appeal against the ruling of a Federal High Court in Lagos on March 14 which ordered the state to pay a compensation of N5million to a Uber driver, Adedotun Clement, who was tortured by policemen during the EndSARS memorial in 2021.
A Federal High Court in Lagos on March 14, had passed a judgement that the Lagos State government and the Nigerian Police should pay the victim the sum of N5 million as compensation but governor Sanwo-Olu had rejected the order of the court by filing a appeal at the Court of Appeal.
Stating that there’s no evidence that the Adedotun was tortured during the Endsars memorial at the Lekki tollgate on October 20, 2021.
In a statement by Sanwo-Olu on his verified Twitter account, he said he has set up a committee and order that the N5 million should be paid to the victim
“Good evening Lagos, as Governor, I’m committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights with empathy and authority. I recently became aware of the case involving Mr. Clement Adedotun and the judgement by the Federal High Court, and I understand the impact this legal battle has had on him.
“After reviewing Mr. Clement’s case, I’ve directed the Honorable Attorney General to set up a meeting and pay him the compensation awarded by the Court.
“Although the State Government has appealed the ruling, I’ve interceded in this instance in the interest of the public good, and requested that the State’s Attorney General comply with the court’s ruling.
“As a strong advocate for the rule of law, I commend all parties for seeking justice through the appropriate channels, and I remain committed to upholding the rights of all Lagosians.” he said.