An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced Ifeanyi Anizoba Jnr to death by hanging for the killing of his father, Ifeanyi Anizoba.
Delivering judgment, Justice Chukwudi Okaa held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that the defendant’s actions directly caused his father’s death.
According to court proceedings, the incident occurred on December 24, 2019, in Nodu Village, Awka, following a dispute between father and son. The prosecution, led by Chief State Counsel Chiamaka Chukwuka, told the court that the defendant pushed his father during an altercation, causing him to hit his head on a wall and lose consciousness.
Rather than seek medical help, the court heard that the defendant allegedly left his father unattended for two days and locked him in a room. The situation only came to light when neighbours noticed a foul odour and raised the alarm, leading to the discovery of the body.
During the trial, the prosecution presented three witnesses, including a relative of the deceased, the investigating police officer, and the medical doctor who conducted the autopsy. The defence, which later received support from the Office of the Public Defender, called two witnesses and denied responsibility.
In his ruling, Justice Okaa stated that the evidence clearly showed a direct link between the defendant’s actions and the death of the victim.
“The totality of the evidence before the court established that the defendant’s actions led to the death of the deceased,” the judge ruled, pronouncing the sentence of death by hanging.
The judgment brings closure to a case that has drawn attention due to its disturbing circumstances and the nature of the relationship between the victim and the convicted individual.