The Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance has expressed concern over what it described as the slow response of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in implementing the National Assembly’s directive to compensate the family of Mr. Fidelis Omhonria following a tragic operation that left a child dead and another severely injured.
According to Nelson Agbajor, the issue came up during a review meeting between members of the committee 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 a tragic event in which two-year-old Onosereba Omhonria was killed, while his younger brother, Eromonsele Omhonria, sustained a gunshot injury to the eye during an operation involving officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
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 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 Omhonria, in order to help preserve his sight while the family awaits full compliance with the Senate’s directive.
Source: Nelson Agbajor
