#EndSARS: Gov Sanwo-Olu rescinds decision, to pay N5m compensation to assaulted Uber Driver

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has decided to compensate the Uber driver assaulted during the #EndSARS memorial.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that the Uber driver who was assaulted during the #EndSARS memorial will be compensated.

Earlier, in the week, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, issued a Notice of Appeal in which the government claimed there was no proof the Uber driver had been tortured.

Adedotun Clement, who was severely tortured on October 20, 2021 at the Lekki Toll-Gate during the first EndSARS anniversary, was awarded the aforementioned sum by a Federal High Court in Lagos on March 14, 2023.

Clement ran into traffic at the Lekki Toll-Gate while transporting a passenger to the mainland of Lagos during a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations.

Police officers and members of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency abused and pepper-sprayed him.

The assault on the Uber driver was caught on camera, was covered by television stations and newspapers, and was denounced across the country.

In order to obtain reparation, human rights attorney Inibehe Effiong filed a lawsuit against the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force. READ MORE.

A Reversal 

However, Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Saturday, revealed that Clement would be compensated after the case was reviewed through the Attorney General’s office.

He further explained that his administration is committed towards ensuring that citizens’ rights are protected and upheld.

The statement read, “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.”

ENIGERIA NEWSPAPER