The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must pay N1.12 billion in compensation to the family of Mike Madu, who was killed in a fatal accident involving an INEC driver in Imo State.
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the judgment on Friday, directing INEC to pay the sum with a 10% interest per annum from the judgment date until full payment is made. Additionally, the court ordered INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, and other defendants to send a letter of condolence to the late Madu’s family.
Legal Proceedings and Court Ruling
The plaintiff, Augustine Madu, filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Umudurugwu, Umuokwe, Awo-Omamma community 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 an INEC escort driver, Hassan Abdul, as the first to fourth defendants.
Augustine initiated the legal action on September 18, 2019, seeking compensation for the unlawful termination of his brother’s life.
In his claim, Augustine described his late brother as a successful businessman born on June 9, 1970, in Awo-Omamma, Imo State. Mike Madu frequently traveled between China and Nigeria, often accompanying Chinese investors to facilitate business opportunities.
Tragic Accident and Aftermath
According to the suit, on June 16, 2019, Mike was escorting two Chinese investors to explore investment prospects in the Enugu State Free Trade Zone. During their journey on the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State, their Lexus car, driven by Ega Chukwudi of Auto Star Transport Company, collided with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser Jeep driven by the fourth defendant, Hassan Abdul.
The Toyota, occupied by Abdul and a police escort, Sgt. Usman Abdullahi, lost control, veered into the opposite lane, and crashed into the Lexus in a head-on collision. The Land Cruiser somersaulted into a bush and caught fire, while the Lexus sustained severe damage.
Mike and one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan, sustained fatal injuries and died. The victims were taken to Holley Memorial Hospital in Ochadamu Village for medical attention, and their remains were later transferred to Kogi State Specialist Hospital Mortuary.
The surviving Chinese investor, Qu Xin Dong, was admitted to the same hospital, while Chukwudi, the Lexus driver, received treatment at Enugu State Orthopaedic Hospital. Abdul and his police escort were also treated at Holley Memorial Hospital.
Police Findings and Court Proceedings
A police report dated July 16, 2019, concluded that Abdul’s reckless speeding caused the accident. On July 10, 2019, the Kogi State Chief Magistrate Court ordered a post-mortem examination of the deceased. The plaintiff later obtained a warrant to bury his brother and the deceased investor.
Augustine emphasized that his brother was the primary provider for his family, including his Chinese wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their son. He lamented that INEC showed no concern or remorse and failed to offer any form of compensation.
During the trial, the plaintiff presented two witnesses, including Josephine Emumwen, an officer with the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command. Augustine testified as the first witness, adopting his written statement on June 14, 2023. He was recalled for cross-examination on November 16, 2023, but the defendants failed to appear in court.
In delivering judgment, Justice Ekwo upheld the plaintiff’s claims and awarded the N1.12 billion compensation, along with additional costs for prosecuting the case.
This ruling underscores the legal consequences of negligence and affirms the rights of victims’ families to seek justice through the courts.
