The Senate is very unhappy with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly foot-dragging to comply with its directive to pay N200 Million as compensation to the family of Fidelis Omhonria who lost his two-year-old toddler via stray bullets during the Agency’s raid in Delta State, nearly three years ago.
This dissatisfaction was expressed few days ago by the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance during a review meeting between members of the Committee and officials of the NDLEA.
The Committee’s Vice Chairman, Senator Ede Dafinone, who presided over the session, criticised the Agency for failing to fully comply with the Senate’s resolution on the matter.
He noted that effective legislative oversight remains essential in holding government institutions accountable.
The Committee advised the NDLEA to formally engage the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to explore legal options for accessing confiscated assets in Government custody as a means of raising the money, as an option.
The Committee warned that the prolonged delay in executing the directive could undermine public trust in legislative resolutions and might discourage victims from pursuing justice.
The Nigerian Senate, had in July last year called on the Federal Government to assist the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in paying ₦200 million compensation to Omhonria family.
The resolution followed the consideration of the Report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.
Recall that the sad the incident occurred July 13, 2023, when NDLEA operatives reportedly opened fire during a drug raid at Okpanam, Delta State, Nigeria.
Stray bullet fatally struck the two-year old toddler Ivan Omhonria, who just returned from school while his sibling, Eromonsele was fatally wounded in the eye.
The incident drew wide condemnations including the international community.
