“INEC Ordered to Pay N1.12 Billion for Fatal Accident Involving Its Driver”

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pay N1.12 billion in compensation to the family of Mike Madu, a businessman who tragically lost his life after being hit by an INEC driver in Imo State.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Inyang Ekwo instructed INEC to pay the compensation with a 10% annual interest from the date of the judgment until the full payment is made. Additionally, INEC was ordered to issue a formal letter of condolence to Madu’s family. Justice Ekwo also directed the defendants to cover the cost of prosecuting the case.

The case, filed by Augustine Madu on behalf of the Umudurugwu, Umuokwe, Awo-Omamma community in Oru-East Local Government Area of Imo State, sought N1.12 billion in compensation for the wrongful death of Augustine’s brother, Mike Madu. The suit named INEC, its Chairman Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and Hassan Abdul, the driver involved in the fatal accident, as defendants.

Mike Madu, born on June 9, 1970, was a successful businessman who frequently traveled between Nigeria and China to explore business ventures, often accompanying Chinese investors. On June 16, 2019, tragedy struck as Mike was escorting two Chinese investors on a business trip to assess investment opportunities in the Enugu State Free Trade Zone. While traveling on the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State, their vehicle collided head-on with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser Jeep driven by Hassan Abdul, an INEC staff member, who lost control and veered into the opposite lane. The crash led to the Land Cruiser somersaulting and catching fire, while the Lexus suffered severe damage.

Mike Madu, along with one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan, died in the crash. A second investor, Qu Xin Dong, was hospitalized, and the Lexus driver, Chukwudi, sustained injuries. A police report later confirmed that Abdul’s reckless driving and excessive speed caused the accident. Despite the tragic loss, Augustine Madu expressed his frustration at INEC’s lack of remorse or compensation for his brother’s death. He noted that Mike had been the primary provider for his family, including his Chinese wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their son.

During the trial, Augustine presented testimony from police officer Josephine Emumwen, who had been involved in the investigation. Despite the defendants’ failure to appear in court, Justice Ekwo ruled in favor of the plaintiff, granting the requested compensation for the Madu family.

This judgment now holds INEC accountable for the negligence of one of its employees, ensuring that Mike Madu’s family receives compensation for their tragic loss.