By Gloria Ikibah
The parents of a two-year-old boy, Ivan Omhonria, who was shot and killed, and his younger brother, Eromonsele, who was shot in the eye by officers of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), are demanding N2 billion in compensation from the Agency.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the incident took place in Delta State in 2023, when Eromonsele, who survived, was only one year old.
The father, Fidelis, who appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, expressed bitterness that the NDLEA has neglected them since the tragedy occurred over a year ago. He also disclosed that Eromonsele’s health has been getting worse due to a lack of proper medical care.
The family had filed a petition against the NDLEA, and the first hearing was held on Wednesday, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
During the hearing, NDLEA’s lawyer, Muniat Adeleye, stated that the Agency had agreed to pay the family N25 million, with N5 million already sent as the first installment, and that the payment was to be spread over five months.
Adeleye expressed surprise at the petition, and said, “The Agency did not expect it, as the matter had already been resolved with an agreement between both parents.”
However, when asked for the signed agreement, Adeleye, who is the Assistant Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, admitted that it had not been signed. This upset the Committee, which demanded that NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), appear at the next hearing.
Fidelis denied any such agreement, saying, “I was shocked to hear about an agreement just now. I’m not a party to any agreement. Yes, the NDLEA Chairman called me after the incident and said he was sorry and that he would send me a token from his personal funds. He didn’t mention an amount, but later, I received N5 million in my wife’s account. That’s all. So where did the N25 million agreement come from?”
The family’s lawyer added, “We demanded N2 billion in compensation, but the NDLEA never responded. They ignored us with arrogance. A life was lost, and another child’s future is at risk because of the eye injury. We want the House to make sure the NDLEA takes responsibility and compensates the family properly.”
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Mike Etaba, expressed the seriousness of the matter, “This is a grave issue. Nigerians and the world are watching us. At the next hearing, the NDLEA head must appear in person to explain what steps he has taken to help this family. The money sent was just a token to cover some medical costs, not part of any agreement. No one should claim there was a N25 million agreement.”
The matter was adjourned to October 22, 2024.