INEC ordered to pay N1.12bn compensation for fatal accident involving its driver

DDM News

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must compensate the family of Mike Madu, who was tragically killed by an INEC driver in a fatal accident in Imo State.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his ruling on Friday, ordered INEC to pay N1.12 billion, with 10 percent annual interest from the date of judgment until full payment is made, Diaspora digital media (DDM) noted.

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

The judgment also included a directive for INEC to cover the costs of the legal proceedings.

The case was brought by Augustine Madu, who filed the suit on behalf of the Umudurugwu, Umuokwe, and Awo-Omamma communities in Oru-East Local Government Area of Imo State.

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

The suit was filed on September 18, 2019, seeking compensation for the loss of Mike Madu, who was killed in an accident on June 16, 2019, caused by Abdul, a driver employed by INEC.

According to Augustine’s statement, Mike Madu was born on June 9, 1970, in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, and was a successful businessman who frequently traveled between China and Nigeria to facilitate investment opportunities.

On the day of the accident, Mike was escorting two Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan and Qu Xin Dong, to the Enugu State Free Trade Zone when the tragic incident occurred on the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State.

The Lexus car they were traveling in, driven by Ega Chukwudi of Auto Star Transport Company, collided head-on with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser Jeep driven by Hassan Abdul, the INEC employee responsible for the fatal crash.

The accident occurred when Abdul, who was driving the INEC vehicle, lost control and swerved into the opposite lane, crashing into the Lexus.

The impact caused the Land Cruiser to somersault into a nearby bush, where it caught fire, while the Lexus sustained extensive damage.

Mike Madu and one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan, lost their lives in the crash, while the other Chinese investor, Qu Xin Dong, survived with injuries.

Both victims were rushed to Holley Memorial Hospital in Ochadamu Village for medical treatment, but the deceased were later transferred to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital Mortuary.

The other passengers, including the driver of the Lexus, Chukwudi, and INEC’s Abdul and his police escort, Sgt. Usman Abdullahi, received medical treatment at various hospitals.

A police report, dated July 16, 2019, concluded that Abdul’s reckless speeding was the primary cause of the fatal accident.

Following the incident, the Kogi State Chief Magistrate Court ordered a post-mortem examination of the deceased on July 10, 2019.

Subsequently, the plaintiff was granted permission to bury his brother and the Chinese investor.

Augustine expressed his frustration at the lack of empathy or acknowledgment from INEC and its officials, noting that despite the immense loss to his family, the Commission had failed to offer any form of compensation or express regret for the accident.

In his testimony, Augustine emphasized that his late brother, Mike, was the primary breadwinner for his immediate family and extended relatives.

He also provided financial support to his Chinese wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their young son.

Mike’s untimely death left his family, particularly his wife and child in China, in a state of emotional and financial distress.

Augustine pointed out that despite the severity of the incident and its far-reaching consequences, INEC had not shown any sign of responsibility or compassion.

During the trial, Augustine presented two witnesses, including Josephine Emumwen, an officer with the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State.

Augustine himself testified as the first witness, adopting his written statement on June 14, 2023.

Despite being recalled for cross-examination on November 16, 2023, the defendants, including INEC representatives, failed to appear in court.

Justice Ekwo, in delivering his ruling, upheld Augustine’s claims, recognizing the tragic circumstances of Mike’s death and the impact on his family.

The judge awarded the N1.12 billion compensation and reiterated the obligation of INEC and its officials to offer a letter of condolence to the Madu family.

The court also ordered INEC to cover the costs incurred during the legal proceedings.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability for institutions like INEC, especially in situations where their actions result in grave consequences for individuals and families.

Despite the financial compensation, the emotional toll on the Madu family remains immeasurable, and the ruling has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public organizations in ensuring the safety and well-being of those they employ and the wider public.

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