Senate Slams NDLEA Over Three Year Delay In Compensating Family Of Child Killed During Operation

By Akinwale Kasali 

Following the delay in the compensation of the Family of Onosereba Omhonria, the Child killed during an operation involving officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, with the brother, Eromonsele Omhonria sustaining eye injury, the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance has slammed the NDLEA.

Expressing its concern over what it described as the slow response of the NDLEA in implementing the National Assembly’s directive to compensate the family of Fidelis Omhonria, Father of the affected Children.

The tragic operation left a child dead and another severely injured in the eye.

The issue came up during a review meeting between members of the Commmittee and officials of the NDLEA.

The Committee’s Vice Chairman and Acting Chairman, Senator Ede Dafinone, who presided over the session, criticised the Agency for failing to fully comply with the Senate’s resolution nearly three years after the incident.

The directive was issued after the tragic event that led to the death of two-year-old Onosereba Omhonria, while his younger brother, Eromonsele Omhonria, sustained a gunshot injury to the eye during an operation involving officers of the NDLEA. 

Lawmakers at the meeting warned that the prolonged delay in executing the directive could undermine public trust in legislative resolutions and the broader pursuit of justice for victims.

Senator Dafinone reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensuring that the agency complies with the directive without further delay. 

He also noted that effective legislative oversight remains essential in holding government institutions accountable.

To fast-track the process, 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 compensating the affected family.

The committee explained that the meeting was convened to assess progress made so far and identify practical steps toward resolving the matter.

Members stressed that the rights and welfare of citizens must remain a priority in law enforcement operations.

The lawmakers also reassured Nigerians of the National Assembly’s determination to ensure justice for the Omhonria family and called for urgent steps to secure adequate medical treatment for the injured child, Eromonsele, in order to help preserve his sight while the family awaits full compliance with the Senate’s directive.