#Endsars: Sanwo-Olu agrees to pay N5m compensation to Uber driver assaulted by police

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has directed the Attorney General of Lagos to pay the five million naira compensation awarded to an Uber driver who was assaulted by some police officers during EndSARS first year anniversary.

Last week, a Federal High Court in Lagos had ordered the State government and the Nigeria Police to pay the sum of five million naira as compensation to the victim identified as Adedotun Clement.

Following the judgment, Mr Inibehe Effiong, lawyer to Mr Clement wrote a letter to Governor Sanwo-Olu on March 16, 2023 demanding compliance with the judgment.

Though, the governor refused to act on the demand, instead the State Government filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lagos division against the judgment.

In a Notice of Appeal filed on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, but served on Friday, March 23, signed by Dr Babajide Martins, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, the government said there was no evidence that the Uber driver was tortured.

However, in a twist of event, the governor in a statement obtained by News Band, has directed the Attorney General of the State to comply with the court ruling.

He said the decision was made based on the fact that he is a man that is committed to the rule of law and protecting rights of citizens.

Part of the statement reads, “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 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.”