The lawyer said the proposed N500 toll fee on the Lekki-Ikoyi Suspended Bridge is illegal.

A lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, on Monday sued the Lagos State Government over the proposed collection of N500 toll on the newly constructed Lekki-Ikoyi Suspended Bridge.

In the suit No. FHC/L/CS/1405/2012 before a Federal High Court in Lagos, Mr. Adegboruwa is seeking an injunction restraining the government from collecting any toll from motorists on the bridge.

The activist stated in the originating summons that reports on the proposed toll collection was published by the Guardian newspaper of October 8.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, and the National Inland Water ways Authority are joined in the suit as co-defendants.

The originating summons was supported by a 34-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the applicant.

Mr. Adegboruwa argued that the toll of N500 per vehicle is uncalled for in view of the hardship, hunger and unemployment in Nigeria.

He claimed that the bridge was built on a federal navigable waterway belonging to the Federal Government.

Mr. Adegboruwa also wants the court to determine whether the LASG has the power to erect any structure such as a bridge on the Lagos Lagoon and the Lekki Lagoon which, he said, were categorised by law as federal navigable waterways.

He also wants the court to determine whether the state government is competent to impose any toll or tax on such a bridge.

He argues that collection of such a toll or tax from Nigerians contravenes their fundamental right to free movement.

Also, the lawyer claims that the imposition of such a levy on road users will prevent them from using the bridge and constitute discrimination and violation of the rights of the road users.

The applicant seeks a declaration that the imposition of a toll, fee or tariff on road users is illegal and inconsistent with the Nigeria’s Constitution.

The case is yet to be assigned to a judge.

NAN