In a rare show of moral force and legislative clarity, the Nigerian Senate on Thursday took decisive action on two deeply troubling cases—one involving the tragic death of a toddler during a botched NDLEA raid, the other a betrayal of national trust by a top WAEC official.
The chamber heard the haunting details of two-year-old Onosereba Omhonria, killed by a stray bullet on July 13, 2023, during an anti-drug operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Okpanam, Delta State. His younger brother, infant Eromonsele, survived but was left with severe facial injuries that now threaten his sight.
“This is not just about compensation—it’s about conscience,” declared Senator Neda Imasuen, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions. Presenting his committee’s report, he confirmed that NDLEA officers were responsible for the gunfire and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve a ₦200 million compensation package for the family.
The NDLEA had earlier offered ₦25 million and is currently footing the child’s medical bills—but lawmakers unanimously condemned the offer as grossly inadequate.
“No uniform justifies a reckless bullet,” said Senator Adams Oshiomhole. “No mother should have to bury her child because of state-sanctioned carelessness.”
The Senate also ordered the NDLEA to continue covering Eromonsele’s treatment—including medical evacuation abroad if necessary—and mandated its Compliance Committee to report progress within six weeks.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio added gravitas to the moment: “Our hearts are with the Omhonria family. Today, the Senate draws a moral line—innocent blood must not be spilled in vain.”
On the same day, the Senate tackled a different kind of breach—this time within the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Ms. Sandra Nimi Harry, a 31-year veteran and head of the Scripts Room at the WAEC Port Harcourt office, was found guilty of aiding a fraud ring that swapped exam scripts to help absentee candidates cheat.
Though the Senate Ethics Committee initially recommended converting her dismissal to retirement—citing her long years of service—the chamber unanimously rejected the leniency.
“This is academic treason,” said Senator Garba Maidoki. “Millions of Nigerian students sit for WAEC believing in fairness. She buried that trust in a single, calculated act of betrayal.”
Senator Oshiomhole was equally direct: “You don’t get to wear 31 years of service like a badge of honour after weaponizing your office against truth. This wasn’t error—it was an inside job.”
Senate President Akpabio closed with a final, sobering verdict: “A career may span decades, but a single moment of disgrace can erase it all. Let this be a message to all public servants—integrity is not seasonal.”
Senator Imasuen, reflecting on the day’s weighty decisions, offered a closing statement that echoed throughout the chamber:
“Two separate stories. One family shattered by a bullet. One institution tainted from within. But one message—this Senate will not look away. We will be the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves.
Ivan Onose Omhonrina
