The parents of Ivan Omhonria, a two-year-old boy, 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 sad incident reportedly 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, asking for justice and compensation for the loss and the worsened health of their surviving son.
The father of the boys, Mr Fidelis Omhonria, showed deep anger over the fact that the NDLEA had neglected the family since the incident took place over a year ago, noting that his son’s health has worsened due to inadequate medical treatment.
Mathew Edaghese, the family’s lawyer, also revealed that they had petitioned the House after the NDLEA failed to respond to their demand for N2 billion in compensation.
Fidelis Omhonria, during the hearing, 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.
Muniat Adeleye, representing the NDLEA and serving as Assistant Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, however 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 but when asked to provide a signed copy of the agreement, Adeleye admitted that no formal document had been signed.
Mike Etaba, the Committee Chairman, who got angry at Adeleye new revelation 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,” Etaba said.
“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.”
Fidelis Omhonria also narrated how the NDLEA Chairman had personally sent him N5 million after expressing regret over the incident. emphasizing that it 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.”
The family’s lawyer, Edaghese, also criticized the way NDLEA handles the case. “We demanded N2bn 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 said.
The next session of the Committee’s on the case is scheduled for October 22, where Brigadier General Marwa is expected to appear and provide clarity on the actions of NDLEA’s.
