• We never objected to their claim, says Obianiwe

The family of James Asuquo has called for public intervention over the death of their brother who was a construction worker.

The family said Asuquo died due to negligence on the part of Darycet International Limited.

According to a family source, on December 2, 2022, the 40-year-old was working at his place of employment adjacent to a construction site, where Darycet International Limited was working on a building at A.J Marinho Drive, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Asuquo was at the time employed with Keen-Edged Realtors Limited, at 12 A.J Marinho Drive in Victoria Island, Lagos which is adjacent to the construction site.

It was said that an iron object fell from a height from the construction site onto where the father of two was working, landed and struck him on the head.

According to the source, he was immediately rushed to the hospital where they preformed surgery to try and save his life, but tragically died a few days later.

According to the family’s solicitors, the incident was a result of Darycet International Limited’s failure to adhere to proper safety protocols and procedures, as the company was constructing the building without proper safety nets.

It was alleged that Darycet subsequently abandoned Asuquo and his body was left at the morgue.

The family claimed that the company has failed to respond to letters from their solicitors seeking due compensation for the transportation of the body to Nsit Ibom council area of Akwa Ibom State for burial, funeral expenses, and provisions for the wife and children.

The family of Asuquo said it has filed a petition through their solicitors calling for a proper investigation and appropriate action by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Ministry of Justice and other agencies to be taken against Darycet International Limited and calling on the public to support their cause and help ensure that justice is served.

According to Samuel Etuk, who is one of the lawyers to the family, they are demanding a thorough investigation into the matter and calling for accountability from Darycet International Limited to take responsibility for their action.

“Speaking with The Guardian, lawyer to the firm, Richard Obianiwe, said: “An accident occurred on site; Darycet took him to the hospital but unfortunately he died. The family is making demand of N70 million but the company offered to take care of the burial before any other thing; but they are insisting on getting that money. We are still negotiating with them and that is where we are.
“We spent N5.8 million on his medical care; we respect human life but let’s take care of the burial first.”