Anambra man to die by hanging for killing father

An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced Ifeanyi Anizoba Jnr to death by hanging for killing his father, Ifeanyi Anizoba.

Delivering judgment on Monday, the trial judge, Justice Chukwudi Okaa, held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the charge sheet, the prosecution, led by chief state counsel Chiamaka Chukwuka, told the court that the incident occurred on December 24, 2019, at Nodu Village in Awka, the Anambra State capital, following a dispute between the defendant and his father.

Part of the charge sheet read, “The defendant pushed his father during an altercation, 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 he remained until neighbours raised the alarm after perceiving a foul odour.

“The body was subsequently discovered by family members.”

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, who was initially without legal representation, was later assigned counsel from the Office of the Public Defender.

The defence 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.

He said, “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.”