Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed the payment of compensation to Clement Adedotun, a cab-hailing driver who was manhandled by security operatives during an EndSARS Memorial rally in October 2021.
The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) and police officers had allegedly assaulted Mr Adedotun during the first-anniversary rally of the EndSARS protest at the Lekki tollgate.
A federal high court had earlier ordered the state and the police to pay N5 million as compensation to Mr Adedotun.
However, the Lagos state government filed an appeal against the ruling. Governor Sanwo-Olu has now rescinded the decision to appeal the matter and has directed the state Attorney General to set up a meeting with Mr Adedotun and pay him the compensation as ordered by the court.
In a tweet on Saturday, the governor said: “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.”