The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to pay N1.12 billion in compensation to the family of Mike Madu, who was killed in an accident caused by an INEC driver in Imo State.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, delivering judgment on Friday, ruled that INEC must also pay 10% interest per annum on the compensation until full payment is made.
Additionally, the court ordered INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and other defendants to send a letter of condolence to Madu’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.
The case was instituted by Augustine Madu, who sued INEC on behalf of the Umudurugwu, Umuokwe, Awo-Omamma community in Oru-East Local Government Area of Imo State.
The amended suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019, listed INEC, its Chairman, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and INEC escort driver Hassan Abdul as defendants.
According to the plaintiff, the fatal accident occurred on June 16, 2019, when Abdul lost control of his vehicle and crashed into another car, leading to Madu’s death
Madu, a successful businessman born on June 9, 1970, was known for facilitating investment opportunities between China and Nigeria.
On the day of the accident, he was escorting two Chinese investors to explore opportunities in the Enugu State Free Trade Zone.
Court documents revealed that during the trip on the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State, the Lexus car carrying Madu was involved in a head-on collision with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser Jeep driven by Abdul.
The Toyota, which had a police escort, Sgt. Usman Abdullahi, reportedly veered into the opposite lane before crashing into Madu’s car.
The Land Cruiser then somersaulted into a bush and caught fire, while Madu’s Lexus sustained heavy damage.
Madu and one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan, died from severe injuries, while the surviving investor, Qu Xin Dong, was admitted to the hospital.
The police report, dated July 16, 2019 blamed Abdul’s reckless speeding for the accident.
The plaintiff accused INEC of failing to acknowledge responsibility for the accident or offer any form of compensation
He stated that Madu was the breadwinner of his family, providing for his Chinese wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their son, as well as his extended family.
His untimely death had left them in distress, especially as INEC officials showed no concern or remorse.
Following the ruling, Justice Ekwo upheld the plaintiff’s claims and awarded the full N1.12 billion compensation, marking a major legal victory for the family.
