Ebonyi Man Arraigned for Allegedly Murdering Mother Over Bath Refusal
A 30-year-old man, Oforbuike Damian, has been formally charged before a Magistrate's court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, for the alleged murder of his aged mother. The defendant faces a one-count charge of murder, a serious offense that has shocked the local community.
Details of the Alleged Crime
The Police Prosecutor, David Njoku, along with Senior State Council representatives, informed the court that the incident occurred on March 19, 2026, in Ohatekwe village, located within the Ukawu community of the Onicha Local Government Area in Ebonyi State. According to the prosecution, Damian is accused of causing the death of his mother, Mrs. Onyema Damian, by stabbing her in the back with a knife.
Njoku emphasized that this offense is punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33 Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009, which outlines severe penalties for such acts of violence.
Defendant's Shocking Confession
During the court proceedings, the defendant, who appeared without legal representation, made a startling admission. He confessed to killing his mother, citing her refusal to bathe him as the motive behind the tragic event. "I don't know what really happened, but I can remember that I killed her over her refusal to bathe me," Damian told the court, revealing a disturbing rationale for the alleged crime.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
Chief Magistrate Chinedu Agama presided over the case and issued a remand order for the defendant. Agama ruled that Damian be held in a correctional centre, noting that the Magistrate's court lacks the jurisdiction to fully adjudicate a murder charge of this nature.
Furthermore, the magistrate directed that the case file and all related exhibits be forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecution for legal advice and further adjudication. This step is standard procedure in serious criminal matters to ensure proper handling and prosecution.
Consequently, the matter has been adjourned to April 9, 2026, allowing time for the necessary legal processes to unfold. The case continues to draw attention as authorities pursue justice in this heartbreaking incident of familial violence.
