Killing:Parents Seek N2bn Compensation From NDLEA

        Mohammed Shosanya

The parents of a two-year-old boy,Ivan Omhonria,who was shot and killed,and his younger brother, Eromonsele,who was severely injured,have demanded N2 billion in compensation from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The incident occurred in Delta State last year, on Thursday, 13 July, 2023, when Eromonsele,then just one year old, was shot in the eye by NDLEA operatives.

The family appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions on Wednesday,seeking justice and compensation for the loss and the deteriorating health of their surviving son.

Mr Fidelis Omhonria,the father of the boys, expressed deep frustration that the NDLEA had neglected the family since the incident occurred over a year ago.

He noted that his son’s health has worsened due to inadequate medical treatment.

The family’s lawyer,Mathew Edaghese, revealed that they had petitioned the House after the NDLEA failed to respond to their demand for N2 billion in compensation.

During the hearing,Fidelis Omhonria denied claims of an agreement with the NDLEA for a N25 million settlement, stating that the Agency has not taken full responsibility for the tragedy.

But Muniat Adeleye, representing the NDLEA and serving as Assistant Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, claimed that an agreement had been reached with the family for N25 million, to be paid in five monthly tranches.

She added that an initial payment of N5 million had already been made.

She expressed surprise at the petition, insisting that the matter had already been resolved with the parents.

Asked to provide a signed copy of the agreement,Adeleye admitted that no formal document had been signed, a revelation that angered the committee.

The Committee Chairman, Mike Etaba, demanded that NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd) appear in person at the next hearing, set for October 22, 2024, to address the Committee directly.

“I hope you appreciate the gravity of what we are saying. The whole world is watching us.The NDLEA head must appear in person that to explain what steps have been taken to help this family recover from the trauma. Look at that child with one eye. No parent should have to see their child suffer like this”,Etiaba said.

Fidelis Omhonria also recounted how the NDLEA Chairman had personally sent him N5 million after expressing regret over the incident.

However,he emphasized that this was a personal gesture and not a formal compensation agreement.

“I was shocked to hear about this supposed agreement,” Omhonria said. “I am not a party to any such agreement. The NDLEA Chairman called me after the incident, apologized, and sent N5 million for my son’s care. But no amount was mentioned, and there was no agreement for N25 million.”

Edaghese,the family’s lawyer, criticized the NDLEA’s handling of the case.

“We demanded N2billion as compensation, but they ignored our demand. A life has been lost, and another child’s future is threatened. This is not just a game, this family deserves justice,” he added