The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has summoned the Lagos State Government in response to a petition filed by business tycoon Alhaji Aliko Dangote. The court’s goal is to determine whether Dangote’s claim of paying the government $100 million is accurate.
The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation and the Ibeju-Lekki Peoples Forum, who are the applicants, are demanding a detailed explanation from the Lagos State Government regarding the transaction with dangote refinery. They seek answers to why no public statement was made about such a significant financial transaction, if the claim is true.
This lawsuit aims to ensure transparency and accountability in public finance management and uncover the truth about Dangote’s assertion. The court’s decision is expected to provide clarity on the $100 million payment and its implications for the Ibeju-Lekki community.
The motion was filed on Friday, September 6, 2024, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1603/2024. The applicants are seeking an Order of Mandamus to compel the Lagos State Government to disclose the requested information. The respondents include the Lagos State Government, the Attorney General, the Accountant General, the Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Lead counsel for the applicants, Barrister Yakubu Eleto Esq, expressed concerns about the livelihoods of Ibeju-Lekki residents, who were displaced by the Dangote Refinery without any compensation. Eleto highlighted the controversy surrounding the $100 million payment, contrasting it with the Lagos State Government’s previous claim that the land was given for free.
Furthermore, The case has yet to be assigned to a judge, with assignments expected on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
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