HEADLINE | Posted: Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Court orders INEC to pay N1.12 billion compensation to family of accident victim


By Ikenna Ngere

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must compensate the family of Mike Madu with N1.12 billion following his tragic death in an accident involving an INEC driver in Imo State.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, delivering the judgment on Friday, mandated INEC to pay the sum with an annual interest of 10% until full payment is made.

Additionally, the court directed INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and other defendants to send a formal condolence letter to Madu’s family.

“An order is hereby made for the defendants to pay the cost of prosecuting this action. This shall be the judgment of this court,” the judge stated.

Legal Action Initiated by Victim’s Family

The lawsuit was filed by Augustine Madu on behalf of the Umudurugwu, Umuokwe, Awo-Omamma community in Oru-East Local Government Area of Imo State.

The amended writ of summons, referenced as FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019, listed INEC, its Chairman, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and an INEC escort driver, Hassan Abdul, as defendants.

Augustine initiated the legal proceedings on September 18, 2019, seeking four reliefs, including financial compensation for the wrongful death of his brother.

Circumstances of the Fatal Accident

Mike Madu, described as a successful businessman born on June 9, 1970, frequently shuttled between Nigeria and China, facilitating investment opportunities.

On June 16, 2019, he was escorting two Chinese investors to explore business prospects in the Enugu State Free Trade Zone when tragedy struck.

During their journey along the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State, their Lexus, driven by Ega Chukwudi of Auto Star Transport Company, was involved in a head-on collision with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser.

The Land Cruiser, driven by the fourth defendant, Hassan Abdul, along with police escort Sgt. Usman Abdullahi, lost control, veered into the opposite lane, and crashed into Madu’s vehicle.

The impact caused the Land Cruiser to overturn and catch fire, while the Lexus suffered extensive damage.

Madu and one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan, succumbed to their injuries, while the surviving Chinese businessman, Qu Xin Dong, was hospitalized.

The injured were taken to Holley Memorial Hospital in Ochadamu Village, and the deceased were later transferred to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital Mortuary.

A police investigation dated July 16, 2019, attributed the accident to Abdul’s reckless speeding.

A post-mortem examination was ordered by the Kogi State Chief Magistrate Court on July 10, 2019, before the bodies were released for burial.

INEC’s Alleged Indifference

Augustine Madu lamented that INEC officials showed no concern or remorse following his brother’s death.

He highlighted that Mike was the primary provider for both his Nigerian and Chinese family, including his wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their son.

The absence of any compensation from INEC, he argued, had left the family in severe distress.

During the trial, the plaintiff presented two witnesses, including police officer Josephine Emumwen.

Augustine testified as the first witness on June 14, 2023, and was recalled for cross-examination on November 16, 2023. However, the defendants failed to appear in court.

According to The Punch, Justice Ekwo ruled in favor of the plaintiff, affirming the claims and awarding the N1.12 billion compensation to Madu’s family.

TOP HEADLINES

TOP COMMENTARIES

Happy New Month of February!
Fr. PAT AMOBI CHUKWUMA
This February of 2025 is the last February anyone living now will see or experience. Why?
My Month of Establishment in Christ
Pastor AMOS DADA, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
To be established in Christ means to be firmly rooted, unshakable, and deeply grounded in faith. Many people accept Christ but remain unstable in their walk with Him due to trials, distractions, and lack of spiritual depth.
The paradox of belief and Devine wisdom
E O EKE, UK
It may well be that peace is elusive because men come to peace shackled by beliefs the origins of which are riddled with false assumptions, ignorance and prejudice.
Back to Basics: Revisiting our roots!
YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA
Our once-bountiful fields lie dormant, yearning for the touch of decisive commercial farming.
There are Ganu and KWAM-1 in all Nigerians
YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA
While some humble and poor Alfas beg for crumbs from the affluent, some pastors manipulate their way into the hearts of the poor....
FROM THE PREACHER'S LENSES
In order to have people of integrity in Nigeria politics
SAM AWEDA, Lagos, Nigeria
I am sad each time I see elderly people who have paid their dues while serving this nation in their younger days but now living in squalor.
CHANGEUP TONIC
Kingdom Mindset: Living with a purpose driven life
GBENGA OWOTOKI, Florida, USA
There is a deep chasm between existing and truly living. To exist is to wake up, work, eat, sleep, and repeat-a cycle that satisfies the flesh but starves the soul.