The parents of a 2-year-old boy tragically killed by a stray bullet from an NDLEA official are seeking N2 billion in compensation, calling for justice and accountability in the heartbreaking case.
The parents of Ivan Omhonria, a two-year-old boy who was tragically shot and killed by the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), are seeking ₦2 billion in compensation from the agency.
On July 13, 2023, in the Okpanam area of Asaba, Delta State, Ivan was tragically killed by a stray bullet during an NDLEA raid. His younger brother Eromonsele was also injured after being shot in the eye.
The incident occurred just as the children, having returned from school, were at their mother’s shop.
More than a year later, the family, headed by father Fidelis Omhonria, voiced their frustration about being neglected by the NDLEA. They claim that Eromonsele, their surviving son’s health has worsened because of insufficient treatment.
Fidelis and his wife testified before the House Committee on Public Petitions on Wednesday, where they refuted claims of consenting to a ₦25 million settlement with the NDLEA.
The agency’s lawyer, Muniat Adeleye, informed the committee that the NDLEA had settled on a ₦25 million compensation deal and has already disbursed an initial payment of ₦5 million to the family.
She mentioned that the total amount would be paid in five installments over a period of five months.
She expressed surprise at the petition, noting that the agency hadn’t anticipated it since the matter had been settled with Fidelis and his wife.
When asked about the signed agreement for the payment of N25 million in compensation, Adeleye, the Assistant Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, stated that it had not yet been signed.
The Committee rejected this and insisted that NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), attend the next hearing on the issue.
The boys’ father refuted the existence of such an agreement, stating that after the incident, the Chairman of the Agency had personally sent him N5 million.
He claimed that the agency blatantly refused to compensate the family and added that NDLEA’s attitude compelled him to submit a petition to the House Committee.
He expressed his surprise, saying he was shocked to hear her mention an agreement and clarified that he’s not a party to any such arrangement.
Certainly! Here’s a revised version: “Yes, during the time this occurred, the NDLEA Chairman contacted me to express his apologies for the incident on July 13, 2023. He mentioned that he was out of the country and assured me that he’s sending over something as a gesture of goodwill.”
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“He never specified an amount to me; he simply mentioned that he’d send some money for my son’s care. Two weeks after we left the Eye Foundation in Lagos, I found N5m deposited into my wife’s account, which he sent. That’s it! So how did this supposed agreement of N25m come about?”
His lawyer, Mathew Edaghese, expressed a similar view by stating, “We sent them a letter demanding N2 billion as compensation. They arrogantly ignored it and didn’t even bother to respond. We are here before this House Committee seeking fair compensation for the loss of life and the impact on another person’s future due to an eye injury.”
“He was only a year old when this incident occurred, and they have been dealing with the aftermath ever since. The NDLEA has shown no willingness to address or repair the physical harm inflicted on this young boy. It feels as though they are employing tactics to avoid accountability. We urge this House to insist that the NDLEA act responsibly and meet international standards of practice expected from such an agency.”
Mike Etaba, the Chairman of the Committee who spoke at the event, promised that justice would be served.
Etaba expressed, “I hope you understand the seriousness of what we are discussing. From the House’s perspective, Nigerians care about this issue and everyone around the globe is observing us.”
“The following day, this issue will be postponed. It is essential that the principal officer, your head (Buba Marwa), attends the committee meeting in person. This matter is too significant for anyone to stand in his stead. While we acknowledge you are a lawyer and have the right to represent your organization, given our current circumstances and life-threatening situations we’re dealing with, we insist on having the NDLEA head present personally to address Nigerians.”
Since the incident occurred, he has taken action to help this family heal from the trauma. Right now, you can see that the child is left with one functioning eye. You are a mother (addressing NDLEA’s lawyer), and we all understand as fathers—no parent should have to witness their child in such a condition.
“The funds sent to him were merely a gesture of assistance, intended to ensure he could continue the necessary medication. Therefore, it’s incorrect to claim that there was an agreement for NDLEA to pay this family N25 million. This information should not be circulated or mentioned anywhere.”
The hearing was rescheduled to continue on October 22, 2024.
