There was an obvious division at the panel sitting of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on #EndSARS as some panel members disagreed over the return of Lekki toll plaza to its owners, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC).
At least four members of the nine-member Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry disagreed over the decision to reopen the Lekki Tollgate.
Read Also: #EndSARS: Lagos Judicial Panel Approves Reopening Of Lekki Toll Gate
The four members, led by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), said they were not a party to the panel’s decision to reopen the tollgate. Others are Patience Udoh, a lawyer and human rights activist, and the two representatives of the youth, Rinuola Oduola and Temitope Majekodunmi.
They said the decision of the other members of the panel does not represent theirs, saying that it was “premature” to open the tollgate.
The panel had approved the reopening of the tollgate, which had not been operational since October 20, 2020 when armed soldiers opened fire on peaceful protesters leading to the death of some at the toll plaza.
Doris Okuwobi, a retired judge who is heading the panel, ruled that Lekki Concession Company (LCC) should repossess the Lekki Tollgate.
Mrs Okuwobi, Segun Awosanya (Segalink), Oluwatoyin Odusanya (Director, Citizens right), Taiwo Lakanu (a DIG representing the police), and Lucas Koyejo(from the National Human Rights Commission), agreed on the reopening of the tollgate.
LCC, through its counsel, Rotimi Seriki, had been pleading to the panel to allow it to take over the plaza for repair and insurance claims since December 2020.
After Mrs Okuwobi delivered her judgement, four members of the panel – the dissenters – walked in and disagreed with the decision.
After the Justice’s remarks, Adegboruwa announced their opposition, saying;
We have a dissenting opinion. That’s why you saw that we came in late.Adegboruwa, who led the group, said they are not in support as LCC hid several videos and evidence from the forensic expert sent to examine and deliver a report on the Lekki shooting incident.
As the SAN continued his comment, Okuwobi interjected with:
“The panel will rise. The panel will rise”.However, Adegboruwa and others remained seated, and the SAN told the court to ensure youths were duly represented.
Their intention to read their dissenting ruling was interrupted by LCC lawyer, Mr Rotimi Seriki and Lagos State Counsel, Mr Enitan Thomas after which a shouting match ensued.
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