₦1.12 Billion Payout! Court Orders INEC To Compensate Accident Victim’s Family

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 lost his life in an accident involving an INEC driver in Imo State.

Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that INEC must pay the amount with an annual interest of 10% until the full sum is settled.

The court also directed INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and other defendants to issue a formal condolence letter to Madu’s family.

“This shall be the judgment of this court, and the defendants must also bear the cost of prosecuting this case,” the judge declared.

Legal Battle for Justice

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.

According to the amended writ of summons (FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019), the defendants included INEC, its Chairman, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and INEC escort driver Hassan Abdul.

The legal action, initiated on September 18, 2019, sought financial compensation for the wrongful death of Mike Madu, among other reliefs.

The Tragic Incident

Mike Madu, a prominent businessman born on June 9, 1970, frequently traveled between Nigeria and China, facilitating investment opportunities.

On June 16, 2019, while escorting two Chinese investors to assess business prospects at the Enugu State Free Trade Zone, Madu was tragically killed.

His Lexus, driven by Ega Chukwudi of Auto Star Transport Company, collided head-on with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser along the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State, leading to his untimely demise.