Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday backed down on his refusal to obey a court judgment directing him to pay a victim of police brutality N5 million compensation, Mr. Clement Adedotun.
The vicyim, an Uber drover, was beaten and arrested by policemen on the first anniversary of the October 20, 2020 #ENDSARS protest at Lekki tollgate in Lagos.
A Federal High Court in Lagos had on March 14, 2023 ordered the state government to pay the compensation sum.
However, the state government said it would go on appeal.
This attracted widespread criticism of the governor.
Amid the deluge of attacks, Sanwo-Olu swiftly posted a statement on Facebook, promising to pay the sum.
He said: “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 judgment 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.”
