The Court of Appeal in Akure has dismissed the appeal filed by the Ondo State Government challenging a judgment of the state’s High Court, which awarded N30 million to Mr Oluwasegun Oluwarotimi, a 36-year-old man who was shot in the leg by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun.
Delivering its ruling on Tuesday the appellate court declared the state government’s appeal as incompetent, striking it out and awarding N250,000 against the government as costs.
The initial ruling, delivered on 29 March 2023 by Justice Omolara Adejumo of the Ondo State High Court, had condemned the shooting incident that led to the amputation of Oluwarotimi’s leg. Justice Adejumo awarded N30 million in damages against the Ondo State Government and the Amotekun Corps, describing the act as a gross violation of the victim’s rights.
Oluwarotimi, an okada rider, was shot in the leg by an Amotekun operative on 9 August 2021 in Akure. The injury resulted in the amputation of his leg, forcing him to depend on crutches for mobility.
Following the judgment, Oluwarotimi’s lawyer, Mr Tope Temokun, appealed to the state government for compliance. In a letter addressed to the governor on 30 March 2023, Temokun urged the government to abide by the ruling, emphasising the moral and legal obligation to uphold justice. He also wrote to the state’s Attorney-General, advising against using public funds to contest a case involving a vulnerable citizen.
Despite the appeals for compliance, the Ondo State Government, on 3 April 2023, filed an appeal against the judgment. However, Temokun challenged the competence of the appeal through a preliminary objection.
During Monday’s proceedings, counsel for the respondent, represented by Adedotun Adegoroye and Ayo Akinnawonu of Tope Temokun Chambers, argued against the appeal. The Court of Appeal, after hearing submissions from both parties, ruled in favour of Oluwarotimi and dismissed the state government’s case.
In addition to striking out the appeal, the appellate court awarded N250,000 as costs against the Ondo State Government, further reinforcing the earlier judgment of the High Court.
Reacting to the verdict, Temokun expressed satisfaction, describing the ruling as a victory for justice and a reaffirmation of the rule of law.
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