Senate to Tinubu: Approve N200m Compensation for Toddler Killed in NDLEA Raid

• Red Chamber Okays Dismissal of WAEC Official Over Examination Malpractice

The Senate has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve a compensation payment of N200 million to the family of two-year-old Onosereba Omhonria, who was killed during a failed drug raid by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Delta State. The toddler was fatally struck by a stray bullet on July 13, 2023, at Abacha Junction, a known drug hotspot in Okpanam, Asaba, in Oshimili North Local Government Area. His younger brother, Eromonsele, was also severely injured in the eye during the incident.

The resolution followed the Senate’s consideration and adoption of a report by its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, which investigated the tragic event. Presenting the report, Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen (APC – Edo South) described the case as deeply tragic and highlighted the ongoing medical challenges faced by Eromonsele. According to Imasuen, doctors remain uncertain about the possibility of restoring the boy’s sight.

The NDLEA had earlier provided N25 million to the family as interim support. However, the Senate committee found that the agency lacks the financial capacity to cover the advanced medical care required abroad. The Senate has now urged President Tinubu to authorize an additional N200 million in compensation, citing the psychological and physical trauma suffered by the family. It also mandated the NDLEA to continue supporting Eromonsele’s treatment, including funding for specialized care overseas.

In a show of respect, the Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of the late Onosereba and expressed its condolences to the grieving family. A proposal to call on the Attorney General of the Federation to prosecute the NDLEA officer involved was withdrawn, as the officer is already facing trial.

In a related development, the Senate also approved the dismissal of Ms. Sandra Nimi Harry, a former senior staff member of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), over her role in a high-level examination malpractice scheme. Harry, who had worked with WAEC since July 1992, was implicated in the fraudulent swapping of answer scripts for absentee candidates in Port Harcourt. The malpractice was said to have been carried out in collaboration with a colleague, Mr. Raymond Obi, allegedly under the direction of another staff member, Joseph Pepple. Her dismissal was officially effected in July 2023 following an internal investigation by WAEC.