Sanwo-Olu orders payment of N5m compensation to driver assaulted at #EndSARS memorial

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, says the state will pay the N5 million compensation awarded by a federal high court to Adedotun Clement, a driver who was assaulted during an #EndSARS event. 

Sanwo-Olu, in a tweet on Saturday, said he has directed Moyosore Onigbanjo, the state’s attorney-general and commissioner for justice, to effect the payment.

BACKGROUND

In October 2021, Clement, a driver for a cab-hailing service, was manhandled by the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) and police officers during the #EndSARSMemorial rally at Lekki tollgate.

The rally was organised to mark the anniversary of the #EndSARS movement.

On March 14, a federal high court in Lagos ordered the state government and NPF to pay N5 million as compensation to Clement.

Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, the presiding judge, ruled that the way Clement was treated amounted to a violation of his right to dignity.

TheCable had reported that Lagos government filed an appeal against the judgement on Tuesday.

‘I INTERCEDED IN PUBLIC INTEREST’

Speaking on the development, Sanwo-Olu said he recently became aware of the case between the state government and Clement.

The Lagos governor added that although the state government had filed an appeal against the judgement, he interceded for the sake of public interest.

“I recently became aware of the case involving Clement Adedotun and the judgement by the federal high court, and I understand the impact this legal battle has had on him,” the governor said.

“After reviewing 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.”

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…

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— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) March 25, 2023