The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pay ₦1.12 billion in compensation to the family of Mike Madu, who was killed in an accident caused by an INEC driver in Imo State.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Inyang Ekwo directed INEC to pay the ₦1.12 billion with a 10% interest per annum from the date of judgment until full payment is made.
Additionally, the court mandated INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and other defendants to send a formal condolence letter to the deceased’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,” Justice Ekwo ruled.
Legal Battle Against INEC
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 case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019, named INEC, its Chairman, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and an INEC escort driver, Hassan Abdul, as first to fourth defendants.
Augustine sought ₦1.12 billion in compensation for what he described as the unlawful termination of his brother’s life.
Fatal Accident in Kogi State
According to court records, Mike Madu, a successful businessman, was killed in a road accident on June 16, 2019, while escorting Chinese investors exploring business opportunities in Nigeria.
The accident occurred along the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State when their Lexus car, driven by Ega Chukwudi of Auto Star Transport Company, collided with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser driven by Hassan Abdul, an INEC driver.
Abdul, who was traveling with a police escort, Sgt. Usman Abdullahi, lost control of his vehicle, swerved into the opposite lane, and crashed head-on into the Lexus.
The Land Cruiser somersaulted into a bush and caught fire, while the Lexus sustained heavy damage.
Mike Madu and one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan, died instantly.
Investigations and Court Rulings
A police report dated July 16, 2019, confirmed that reckless speeding by Hassan Abdul caused the accident.
Following the accident, a post-mortem examination was conducted at the order of the Kogi State Chief Magistrate Court, after which the deceased were buried.
Augustine Madu lamented that INEC showed no concern or remorse for his brother’s death, despite his role as the breadwinner of his family.
“Mike left behind his Chinese wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their young son, who are struggling to cope with his tragic death,” he stated.
During the trial, the plaintiff presented two witnesses, including a Nigerian police officer, Josephine Emumwen.
Despite being given an opportunity, INEC and its representatives failed to appear in court, leading Justice Ekwo to rule in favor of the plaintiff.
The ruling has sparked discussions on institutional accountability and the need for government agencies to be held responsible for their employees’ actions.
