Family of man killed by INEC driver to get N1.12bn compensation

Family of man killed by INEC driver to get N1.12bn compensation

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pay N1.12 billion in compensation to the family of a businessman killed by driver working with the commission in Imo State.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, delivering the ruling on Friday, stated that INEC must pay the amount with an annual 10% interest from the judgment date until full payment was made.

The court also ordered INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, and other defendants to issue a formal letter of condolence to Mike Madu’s family.

The lawsuit, filed by Augustine Madu on behalf of their community, sought compensation for the unlawful death of his brother. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019, named INEC, its Chairman, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and an INEC escort driver, Hassan Abdul, as defendants.

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Augustine Madu accused Abdul, a driver in the office of the national commissioner, of causing the fatal accident on June 16, 2019. Mike Madu, a successful businessman frequently traveling between China and Nigeria, was escorting two Chinese investors on a business trip when the tragedy occurred.

The accident took place on the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State when the Lexus they were traveling in collided head-on with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser driven by Hassan Abdul. Abdul reportedly lost control of the vehicle, veering into the opposite lane and causing the crash. The collision led to the deaths of Mike Madu and one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan.

Following the crash, Madu’s family decided to pursue legal action against those responsible. Augustine later criticized INEC for its lack of empathy and refusal to offer any compensation, highlighting the devastating impact on his brother’s family, including his wife and son.

During the trial, Augustine presented two witnesses, including a police officer who confirmed Abdul’s reckless driving. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, awarding the Madu family N1.12 billion in compensation for their loss.

Family of man killed by INEC driver to get N1.12bn compensation