[UPDATED] #EndSARS: Lagos Panel Hands Over Lekki Toll Gate To LCC

*Panel splits over order directing LCC to repossess Lekki tollgate plaza

Proceedings at the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS related abuses and other matters degenerated to a shouting match following its decision to return the Lekki Toll Gate plaza to its owners, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC).

The plaza has been under the control of the panel since it began sitting in October following the #EndSARS protests.

Justice Doris Okuwobi, sitting with only four out of the total nine members of the panel granted LCC permission to repossess the plaza after taking arguments for and against the application made by counsel to the LCC Ltd, Demola Seriki for the re-opening of the facility.

The other four members who sat with Justice Okuwobi are Segun Awosanya( Popularly known as Segalink), Oluwatoyin Odusanya (Director, Citizens right), DIG Taiwo Lakanu ( representing the police) and Lucas Koyejo (from the National Human Rights Commission).

Following her decision, the judge emeritus and her team rose, as the other absent members walked in and proceeded to deliver their dissenting ruling.

The dissenters are Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, representing the Civil Society, Ms. Patience Udoh representing the Civil Society, Rinu Oduala and Temitope Majekodunmi, representing #EndSARS protesters.

Their intention to read their dissenting ruling was interrupted by LCC lawyer, Mr Rotimi Seriki and Lagos State Counsel, Mr Enitan Thomas following which a shouting match ensued.

The action of the four dissenting panel members were disputed by Mr. Rotimi Seriki (SAN) counsel for LCC and Mr. Olukayode Enitan (SAN) counsel for Lagos state government, who prevented Mr. Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa from reading his personal dissenting judgement as they accused him of being an interested party in the matter having sued the Lagos state government over the Lekki tollgate plaza in the past.

Their argument made Mr. Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa to step down from reading his dissenting opinion.

The action of the dissenting panel members made the panel to adjourn all other cases slated for mention today.