The Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance has expressed concern over the slow implementation of the National Assembly directive to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on compensation for the family of Fidelis Omhonria.
The committee raised the issue during a review meeting with NDLEA officials in Abuja, where lawmakers examined the agency’s compliance with an earlier Senate resolution on the matter.
The directive followed a tragic incident 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 NDLEA officers.
Presiding over the meeting, the Vice Chairman and Acting Chairman of the committee, Ede Dafinone, expressed dissatisfaction that nearly three years after the incident, the agency had yet to fully comply with the Senate’s resolution on compensation for the affected family.
Dafinone noted that the delay raises concerns about the effectiveness of implementing legislative directives.
“It is worrisome that almost three years after this tragic incident, the directive of the Senate has not been fully implemented. This delay undermines public confidence in the enforcement of legislative resolutions and the pursuit of justice for victims,” he said.
Members of the committee stressed the need for urgent action, insisting that the Senate’s directive was clear and must be implemented without further delay.
Dafinone reiterated the committee’s determination to ensure that the agency fulfills its obligations, emphasizing the importance of legislative oversight in promoting accountability within government institutions.
To facilitate compliance, the committee advised the NDLEA to formally engage the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Lawmakers noted that confiscated assets under government custody could legally be accessed to provide compensation for the Omhonria family.
According to the committee, the meeting was convened to review progress made so far and to identify practical steps toward resolving the matter.
The lawmakers stressed that the welfare and rights of citizens must remain a priority in law enforcement operations.
They also called for urgent medical support for the injured child, Eromonsele Omhonria, noting that adequate treatment is necessary to help preserve his sight while the family awaits full compliance with the Senate’s directive.
The committee reassured Nigerians of the National Assembly’s commitment to ensuring justice in the case.
