The Nigerian Senate has recommended a compensation of N200 million for the family of a two-year-old boy who was killed by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid in Asaba, Delta State.
This was disclosed on Thursday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, while addressing journalists after the Senate considered two separate petitions, one of which involved the child’s tragic death.
Senator Imasuen revealed that the NDLEA admitted responsibility for the killing and also confirmed that the deceased boy’s sibling sustained severe injuries, which may result in permanent blindness and would require multiple surgeries.
“The agency initially offered N25 million as compensation, which we found grossly inadequate,” Imasuen said. “In clear conscience, we could not accept what they were offering. We told them to return with something more reasonable—something befitting of what it means to lose a child and face the trauma of another child possibly going blind. But they came back with the same N25 million.”
The committee subsequently recommended a N200 million compensation package and further directed that the NDLEA take full responsibility for the surviving child’s medical care.
While adopting the recommendation, the Senate noted that its powers under Order 40, Sub 6, are limited to making recommendations and appeals. The Senate, therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take executive action to ensure justice is served.
“As legislators, we cannot impose sanctions directly,” Imasuen explained. “That is why we are calling on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria himself a father and grandfather to intervene.”
He emphasized that no financial settlement could replace the life lost or undo the trauma inflicted, but underscored the need for justice and adequate restitution.
In a related matter, the Senate also addressed a petition involving a 31-year-old employee of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), who was dismissed for handing over a key to a restricted examination room. Although the committee recommended she be allowed to resign honourably in light of her long service, the Senate overruled this based on the gravity of the offence and its potential impact on national exam integrity.
“We wanted to apply a human face, but the Senate believed the broader implications on examination credibility outweighed individual considerations,” Imasuen added.
He concluded by reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to institutional accountability, noted that the Compliance Committee will continue to follow up with the executive to ensure the recommended compensation is paid and medical care provided.
“As a parent, I cannot imagine the pain of burying a two-year-old child shot in the supposed safety of his home, nor watching another child potentially go blind,” Imasuen said. “As a legislator, I must ensure that our institutions respond to such tragedies with justice, responsibility, and empathy.”
