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

LAGOS State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the payment of N5 million as compensation to a driver allegedly assaulted during the #EndSARS memorial rally in Lagos.

The governor said he has directed the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, to effect the payment.

The driver, Adedotun Clement, was carrying a passenger when he encountered a gridlock at the Lekki Toll Gate during a protest to commemorate the first anniversary of #EndSARS. He was subsequently tortured and pepper-sprayed by the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency officers and policemen.

On March 14, 2023, the court ordered the state government to pay Adedotun N5 million as compensation for the torture he suffered during the protest.

The Lagos government filed an appeal against the judgment on Tuesday.

But in a tweet on Saturday, March 25, the governor said he has interceded on Clement’s behalf for the sake of public interest, despite the appeal.

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…

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

Sanwo-Olu said he recently became aware of the case between the state government and Clement, stressing that after reviewing Clement’s case, he directed the Attorney General to set up a meeting and pay him the compensation awarded by the court.

The governor said that although the state government had appealed the ruling, he remained committed to upholding the rights of all Lagosians.

He commended all parties for seeking justice through appropriate channels.

Author profile

You can reach out to me on Twitter via: vincent_ufuoma