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 a judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Inyang Ekwo directed INEC to pay the N1.12 billion, with a 10% annual interest starting from the date of the judgment until full payment is made.
Additionally, Justice Ekwo ordered INEC, its Chairman Yakubu Mahmood, and other defendants to send a letter of condolence to Madu’s family. The judge also instructed the defendants to cover the costs of prosecuting the case.
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 amended writ of summons, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019, named INEC, its Chairman, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and INEC escort driver Hassan Abdul as the first to fourth defendants.
Augustine filed the suit on September 18, 2019, seeking four reliefs, including the N1.12 billion compensation for the wrongful death of his brother, Mike Madu. Augustine described his late brother as a successful businessman born on June 9, 1970, in Awo-Omamma, Imo State. He explained that the fatal accident, which occurred on June 16, 2019, was caused by Abdul, an INEC driver working for the national commissioner’s office.
During the trial, the plaintiff presented two witnesses, including Josephine Emumwen, a police officer from the Kogi State Command. Augustine testified as the first witness, adopting his written statement on June 14, 2023, and was later cross-examined on November 16, 2023. However, the defendants failed to appear in court during this session.
Justice Ekwo ruled in favor of the plaintiff, upholding the claims and awarding the compensation.
