By Ayo Kehinde
Rising from a meeting that was disrupted by a shouting match between panelists for and against the reopening of Lekki Toll gate on Saturday, the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS gave approval to return the facility to its owners, the Lekki Concession Company.
The decision had split the panel members between those for and against with the supporters comprising Chairman, Justice Doris Okwuobi, Segun Awosanya, Oluwatoyin Odusanya, (Director, Citizens Right), DIG Taiwo Lakanu, representing the police and Lucas Koyejo, representing the National Human Rights Commission, NHC., while those opposed to the move, were Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, representing Civil Society, Ms Patience Udo, representing Civil sSciety, Rinu Oduala and Temitope Majekodumi representing #EndSARS protesters.
Justice Okwobi said she took the decision to return the tollgate to its owners because the forensic test had been concluded on the facility. The Adegboruwa –led opposition claimed Justice Okwuobi had no jurisdiction to solely decide for the panel. But they were prevented form making their case by LCC lawyer, Mr Rotimi Seriki and Lagos State Counsel, Mr Enitan Thomas.
