Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced Ifeanyi Anizoba Jnr to death by hanging for killing his father, Ifeanyi Anizoba. The judgment was delivered on Monday, April 27, 2026, by Justice Chukwudi Okaa, who stated that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Details of the Incident
According to the charge sheet presented by the prosecution led by chief state counsel Chiamaka Chukwuka, the incident occurred on December 24, 2019, at Nodu Village in Awka, the Anambra State capital. The altercation between the defendant and his father escalated when the defendant pushed his father, causing him to hit his head on a wall and lose consciousness.
After his father fell and lost consciousness, the defendant left him unattended for two days without seeking medical assistance. He locked his father in a room, where the body remained until neighbors raised the alarm after perceiving a foul odor. The body was subsequently discovered by family members.
Prosecution and Defense
The prosecution called three witnesses, including a relative of the deceased, the investigating police officer, and the medical doctor who conducted the autopsy. The defendant, initially without legal representation, was later assigned counsel from the Office of the Public Defender. The defense called two witnesses and denied responsibility for the death.
In his judgment, Justice Okaa held that the totality of the evidence established that the defendant's actions led to the death of the deceased. The judge accordingly convicted him and sentenced him to death by hanging.
“The totality of the evidence before the court established that the defendant's actions led to the death of the deceased and he is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” he said.
