Ondo State Court of Appeal Upholds ₦30 Million Compensation for Amputee Motorcyclist Shot by Amotekun
The Court of Appeal, convened in Akure, Ondo State, has dismissed an appeal lodged by the Ondo State Government against a High Court decision awarding ₦30 million in damages to Oluwasegun Oluwarotimi, a 36-year-old commercial motorcyclist. Oluwarotimi was shot in the leg by a member of the State’s Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, in August 2021. The injury necessitated amputation of his leg, after which he was reportedly abandoned.
In a ruling from March 2023, Justice Omolara Adejumo of the Ondo State High Court determined that Oluwarotimi deserved compensation for the illegal shooting, highlighting the severe consequences it had on his life, which now requires him to use crutches.
Despite being officially informed of the High Court’s ruling, the Ondo State Government filed an appeal on April 3, 2023, contesting the judgment. However, Oluwarotimi’s legal representative, Tope Temokun, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the appeal was not valid.
On November 19, 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled the state’s appeal incompetent, consequently imposing an additional cost of ₦250,000 against the Ondo State Government.
In the wake of this decision, Temokun reached out to the newly elected Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging him to facilitate compliance with the court’s order. In his correspondence, Temokun emphasized the critical circumstances surrounding Oluwarotimi. He noted that the shooting had drastically impacted Oluwarotimi’s life, leading to his wife leaving him and remarrying, while their two children had to withdraw from school due to financial struggles.
Temokun remarked, “While some may argue that the awarded amount is substantial, we must consider the question—how much value can be placed on a man’s leg? Mr. Oluwasegun Oluwarotimi now lives in a state of utter poverty and depression. We earnestly appeal to His Excellency to step in and ensure the payment of the judgment amount, enabling him to start rebuilding his life.”
The case has garnered public attention, underscoring the need for accountability among state agencies and highlighting the importance of justice for victims of negligence and misconduct.
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