Emmanuel Thomas l Monday, September 11, 2017
LAGOS, Nigeria – An Ikeja Magistrate Court has fixed September 30 to hear the case involving Leadership Newspaper photojournalist, Mr. Benedict Uwalaka who was assaulted by Bayo Ogunsanya in the course of official duty in the premises of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH in November 2013.
Ogunsanya was a security officer attached to LASUTH, who brutalised the journalist on official duty and damaged his camera. Uwalaka had visited LASUTH following the release of the DNA of victims of the Associated Airline crash in Iju, Lagos by LASUTH Pathologist, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa.
Benedict Uwalaka almost lost his eyes in the process, see photograph.
He is appearing as star witness in the suit between Bayo Ogunsanya Vs Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
Uwalaka is seeking N30 million in collateral damages for his brutalisation and damage of his professional equipment.
The matter could not be heard at the magistrate court today because President of the court, B.O. Osunsanmi did not sit but has fixed September 30, 2017 for continuation of trial. Benedict Uwalaka is represented by Mr. Jiti Ogunye.
Uwalaka told starconnectmedia.com that he is pursuing the case to set a good precedence and to serve as deterrent and protect journalists in the country from official brutalisation and that money is not the issue.