In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pay a staggering N1.12 billion in compensation to the family of Mike Madu, a prominent businessman who tragically lost his life in a fatal collision caused by an INEC driver. The ruling, delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo on Friday, includes a 10% annual interest on the compensation amount from the date of judgment until full payment is made.
Justice Ekwo’s decision also mandates INEC, along with its Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, and other relevant parties, to issue a formal letter of condolence to the Madu family, offering a measure of recognition and remorse for the loss.
“The defendants are hereby ordered to pay the cost of prosecuting this action,” Justice Ekwo concluded, marking the resolution of a painful legal battle for the family.
The lawsuit, initiated by Augustine Madu, Mike’s brother, sought justice for the unlawful death of his sibling, who was killed in an accident involving an INEC vehicle on June 16, 2019. The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019, named INEC, its Chairman, and an INEC escort driver, Hassan Abdul, as defendants.
Mike Madu, born in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, on June 9, 1970, was a well-established businessman known for his frequent travels between Nigeria and China, where he often assisted Chinese investors in exploring business ventures. On the fateful day, Mike was escorting two Chinese investors to assess opportunities in the Enugu State Free Trade Zone. However, tragedy struck when their vehicle, a Lexus, collided head-on with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser Jeep driven by INEC’s Abdul, who had lost control of the vehicle while reportedly speeding.
The deadly collision took place on the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State, leaving the Lexus severely damaged. Mike Madu and one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan, were killed instantly, while the second investor, Qu Xin Dong, and the Lexus driver, Ega Chukwudi, sustained injuries. Both Abdul and his police escort, Sgt. Usman Abdullahi, were also treated for injuries.
A police investigation later concluded that Abdul’s reckless speeding had been the direct cause of the accident. In response, the Kogi State Chief Magistrate Court ordered a post-mortem examination of the deceased, and a warrant was issued for the burial of the victims.
Throughout the trial, Augustine Madu, who had been vocal in his outrage over INEC’s lack of empathy, described his brother as the primary breadwinner for his family, including his wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their young son in China. He condemned INEC’s failure to provide any form of compensation or condolences following Mike’s untimely death.
Augustine’s emotional testimony, bolstered by witness statements, painted a heartbreaking picture of the profound loss felt by the family. His first witness, Josephine Emumwen, an officer with the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State, gave critical testimony that helped strengthen the case. Despite the gravity of the situation, INEC and the other defendants were absent during key hearings, ultimately allowing the plaintiff’s claims to stand unchallenged.
With this ruling, the court has not only held INEC accountable for the tragic death of Mike Madu but has also set a precedent in the fight for justice in cases of reckless driving by government officials. The compensation award, while significant, can never truly replace the life lost, but it offers some measure of justice to the grieving Madu family.
Justice Ekwo’s ruling underscores the importance of holding institutions and their officials accountable, especially in cases where negligence results in irreversible loss.
PIONEER NEWS 