Family calls out Lagos AG over non-payment of N20m court judgment debt, demands accountability
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A former student of Lagos State Model College Badore blinded in his left eye in a violent punishment by a senior student five years ago has called on the state Attorney General to comply with a court judgment awarding him N20 million in damages.
The family of Qudus Akinsemoyin recounted that the incident occurred on 3 July 2010 when Olashile Balogun, then a senior student at the school, struck Qudus in the eye with a cane which resulted in permanent loss of vision in his left eye.
Model College Badore is located in Eti-Osa Council in Lagos.
Qudus filed a lawsuit through his guardian, Kuburat Ajoke Azeez-Akinsemoyin, and the court ruled in his favour after years of legal proceedings.
A letter the family lawyer, Bode Olaosebikan, wrote to the Attorney General urged the Lagos Government to enforce the judgment, noting that it remains unchallenged.
Judge O.F. Aigbokhaevbo, who delivered the judgement, condemned the actions of the senior student and criticised the failure of school authorities to maintain a safe learning environment.
“Discipline of students should be carried out by the school authority and not by a fellow student,” the Judge said.
“Any form of discipline that results in serious injury, particularly damage to a person’s eye, is excessive and a breach of the duty of care.”
The court found Model College Badore, state Ministry of Education, and the Attorney General jointly liable for negligence, holding that they failed to fulfil their duty of care toward Qudus.
Damages awarded included N20 million (general compensation), N27,150 (special damages for medical expenses), and N200,000 (litigation costs).
During trial:
- Medical evidence was provided from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) confirming permanent blindness in Qudus’ eye.
- The defendants called for further medical evaluation but the court expressed concern over their failure to follow through on the initial medical recommendations.
The family is now seeking full enforcement of the judgment and accountability from the state.
“This is not just about compensation,” Olaosebikan insisted.
“It’s about acknowledging the life-altering harm done to a child under the care of a state-run school and upholding the rule of law.”
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