CLEMENT ADEDOTUN VS. LAGOS GOVT.: MINISTRY OF JUSTICE TO DECIDE ON APPEAL OF N5 MILLION JUDGEMENT
By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has acknowledged that it has received the judgement of N5 million compensation awarded against the Lagos State Government in a case by Mr. Clement Adedotun, an Uber driver. It, however, noted that the process to decide whether or not to appeal the High Court ruling is ongoing. It stated that this is aimed at protecting the rights of the Lagos State Government.
This information was made available to Trek Africa Newspaper by the Public Relations Officer of Lagos Ministry of Justice, Grace Alo. She noted: ‘On the 14th of March 2023, the Federal High Court in Suit No FHC/L/CS/ 1862/2021, filed by Mr Clement Adedotun, delivered judgment against Lagos State Neighborhood Agency, Lagos State Government, Attorney General Lagos State and Nigeria Police. During the hearing of the matter , the Lagos State Government opposed the claims of the Applicant on grounds of law and facts. The court, however, upheld the contention of the Applicant.’
‘As is customary when a judgment is delivered against the State Government, counsel handling the matter is enjoined to file an appeal (a right provided by the Constitution) along with an application to stay execution of the judgment in order to protect and reserve the rights available to the State Government under the law. Filing the appeal and asking for a stay of the judgment do not, however, prevent the management of the Ministry of Justice upon obtaining a copy of the judgment from further reviewing the matter and deciding whether to proceed with or withdraw the appeal’
‘The process of taking that decision is underway and once a definitive position is taken members of the public will be notified. The State Government reassures the public that in carrying out its duties, it will continue to be guided by the rule of law’, Trek Africa Newspaper gathered.
