A truck driver, Okechukwu Ofor, has filed a N500 million lawsuit against Eketeson Resources Nig Ltd, its Managing Director Donald Ekete, and three policemen attached to the company, following a brutal assault that left him in a coma. The incident, which occurred on May 28, 2024, was first reported by SaharaReporters on June 3, 2024.
Ofor, who formerly worked for Eketeson Resources, was allegedly beaten into unconsciousness by policemen on the instructions of Mr. Ekete, following a misunderstanding involving his truck. The lawsuit, filed at the Enugu State High Court, seeks compensation for the assault, injuries, and trauma Ofor endured.
The Incident
According to court documents, Ofor was driving a truck loaded with chippings from Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, and arrived at Independence Layout, Enugu, when his truck hit a pothole, damaging one of its wheels. Unbeknownst to him, the damaged wheel left a mark on newly laid asphalt by the construction company. Upon parking to inspect the damage, Ofor was confronted by his former boss, Ekete, who allegedly attacked him with a wooden plank, accusing him of damaging the road.
Four policemen assigned to the construction site then joined in the assault, mercilessly beating Ofor with their boots and gun nozzles, leaving him unconscious. Eyewitnesses reportedly mistook Ofor for a notorious criminal, making it difficult for anyone to intervene.
Man Accuses Father And Stepmother Of Witchcraft Before Burning Down House And Car
Legal Action
Ofor, now employed by Toshel Nig Ltd, filed the lawsuit through his lawyer, Barr. Elvis Enebeh-Clet, demanding justice for the severe physical and psychological harm he suffered. The lawsuit, marked E/527/2024, names Eketeson Resources International Ltd, Mr. Donald Ekete, Inspector Achile Attah, and three unnamed policemen as the defendants.
In the suit, Ofor seeks a court declaration that the assault and abandonment by the roadside were illegal and life-threatening. He is also seeking special damages of N700,000 to cover medical expenses, N1 million for the cost of litigation, and N500 million in aggravated damages for the injuries and trauma inflicted on him.
Medical Condition and Aftermath
Medical experts confirmed that Ofor fell into a coma due to severe head trauma sustained during the assault. A coma is a state of prolonged unconsciousness caused by brain injuries, and Ofor’s condition required immediate medical intervention. After the attack, he was dumped at the Independence Layout Police Station but was later taken to the police clinic, where he was revived and transferred to another hospital for further treatment.
Court Proceedings
In his statement of claim, Ofor recounted the events leading up to the assault, stating that he was unaware that the damaged wheel had scratched the new asphalt laid by the company. He explained that his former boss, Ekete, launched an unprovoked attack, which was further aggravated by the accompanying policemen.
Ofor described the brutal nature of the attack, noting that the police officers beat him with their boots and guns, leaving him half-dead by the roadside. He added that passersby, thinking he was a criminal, were reluctant to offer help.
Calls for Justice
Ofor’s legal team is pressing for the court to hold the defendants accountable for their actions. They argue that the attack was not only illegal but also an egregious violation of Ofor’s rights. The lawsuit aims to ensure that those responsible face legal consequences for their actions.
Efforts to reach Mr. Donald Ekete for comment were unsuccessful. He did not respond to multiple calls and text messages at the time of this report.
As the case progresses, all eyes are on the Enugu State High Court to determine whether justice will be served for the brutal assault on Ofor.