The Lagos state government says it is going to appeal the N5 million judgment awarded in favour of Clement Adedotun by a federal high court.
Adedotun filed a case against the Lagos State Neighborhood Agency, the Lagos State Government, the Attorney General of the State, and the Nigeria Police. He was subsequently awarded N5 million.
Reacting to the court verdict in a communication on Saturday signed by Grace Alo, public relations officer for the Ministry of Justice, the state government will file an appeal along with an application to stay execution of the judgment to protect and reserve the rights available to the state government under the law.
In a press statement titled, ‘Re: Judgment of N5m awarded against LASG by the Federal High Court’, the Lagos government said, “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 State Government opposed the claims of the Applicant on grounds of law and facts. The court, however, upheld the contention of the Applicant,” the state government said.
“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 does 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.”
