Senate Expresses Discontent Over NDLEA’s Delay in Compensation for Victim’s Family
The Senate has expressed significant dissatisfaction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over its alleged delay in complying with a directive to pay N200 million as compensation to the family of Fidelis Omhonria.
The family lost their two-year-old son, Ivan Omhonria, during a stray bullet incident in Delta State nearly three years ago.
This discontent was voiced recently by the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance during a review meeting with NDLEA officials. The Committee’s Vice Chairman, Senator Ede Dafinone, presided over the session and criticized the Agency for not fully implementing the Senate’s resolution.
Senator Dafinone emphasized the importance of legislative oversight in ensuring government accountability. The Committee advised the NDLEA to engage the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to explore legal options for accessing confiscated assets held by the government to fund the compensation.
The Committee also cautioned that continued delays could erode public trust in legislative resolutions and discourage victims from seeking justice.
In July last year, the Nigerian Senate urged the Federal Government to assist the NDLEA in paying the ₦200 million compensation to the Omhonria family. This resolution followed a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
The tragic incident occurred on July 13, 2023, when NDLEA operatives reportedly opened fire during a drug raid at Okpanam, Delta State.
The stray bullet fatally struck two-year-old Ivan Omhonria, who was returning from school, while his sibling, Eromonsele, was critically wounded in the eye.
The incident received widespread condemnation, including from the international community.
