The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has stated why the state government is challenging a Federal High Court decision that awarded N5 million in compensation to Adedotun Clement, a driver who was reportedly assaulted during the state’s #EndSARS memorial procession.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Grace Alo, the state government rejected the Applicant’s allegations on legal and factual grounds during the hearing.
Adedotun’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, stated in a statement on Friday that the Lagos administration was contesting the High Court’s decision due to a “lack of proof supporting the torture.”
According to his lawyer, Adedotun was transporting a passenger to the Lagos mainland when he hit a traffic jam at the Lekki Toll-Gate during a demonstration commemorating the first anniversary of EndSARS. “Officers from the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency and cops tortured and pepper-sprayed him.”
On March 14, 2023, the court ordered the state government to pay N5 million in compensation to Adedotun, who was reported to have been tortured at the Lekki Toll-Gate during the first #EndSARS anniversary on October 20, 2021.
Explaining on Saturday, the ministry stated, “During the hearing of the matter, the Lagos State Government opposed the claims of the Applicant on grounds of law and facts.
“The court, however, upheld the contention of the applicant.
“As is customary when a judgment is delivered against the State Government, the counsel handling the matter is enjoined to file an appeal (a right provided by the Constitution) along with an application to stay execution of the judgment in order to protect and reserve the rights available to the State Government under the law.”
According to the ministry, filing the appeal and requesting a stay of the ruling did not, however, preclude the Ministry of Justice’s management from further analyzing the situation and choosing whether to pursue or drop the appeal after receiving a copy of the judgment.
“The process of taking that decision is underway and once a definitive position is taken, members of the public will be notified.
“The state government reassures the public that in carrying out its duties, it will continue to be guided by the rule of law,” Alo added.
