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 Mike Madu, who was killed by an INEC driver in Imo State.
In his ruling on Friday, Justice Inyang Ekwo directed INEC to pay the sum with a 10% interest per year until full payment is made.
Additionally, the judge ordered INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, and other defendants to send a letter of condolence to Madu’s family.
“This shall be the judgment of this court,” Justice Ekwo ruled.
Background of the Case
The case was filed by Augustine Madu, on behalf of the Umudurugwu, Umuokwe, Awo-Omamma community in Imo State.
The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019, listed INEC, its Chairman, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and the INEC driver, Hassan Abdul, as defendants.
According to court documents, Mike Madu was a successful businessman born in 1970. He frequently traveled between China and Nigeria, helping to facilitate investments.
On June 16, 2019, Madu was escorting two Chinese investors to explore business opportunities in Enugu’s Free Trade Zone when their Lexus car collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by INEC’s Hassan Abdul on the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State.
Abdul, accompanied by a police escort, Sgt. Usman Abdullahi, allegedly lost control of his vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and crashed into Madu’s Lexus in a head-on collision.
The impact caused the Land Cruiser to somersault into a bush and catch fire, while Madu’s Lexus suffered severe damage.
Court’s Findings and Judgment
Madu sustained fatal injuries and died alongside Chinese investor Huang Hia Yan.
The accident’s survivors were taken to Holley Memorial Hospital in Kogi State, while the deceased were later moved to Kogi State Specialist Hospital Mortuary.
A police report dated July 16, 2019, confirmed that Abdul’s reckless speeding was responsible for the crash.
Despite this, INEC did not reach out to the family or offer any compensation, prompting Madu’s family to take legal action.
The court proceedings revealed that INEC failed to appear for cross-examination, leading the judge to rule in favor of the plaintiff and award N1.12 billion in compensation.
Impact on Madu’s Family
Madu was the breadwinner for his family and financially supported his Chinese wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their son. His untimely death has left them in severe distress, with no assistance from INEC.
With this landmark judgment, Madu’s family is set to receive justice, though it remains unclear if INEC will comply with the ruling or appeal the decision.
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