An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced a man identified as Ifeanyi Anizoba to death by hanging for killing his father, Ifeanyi Anizoba.
The trial judge, Justice Chukwudi Okaa, while delivering judgment on the matter, found the defendant guilty of the offense, stating that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Counsel, Mrs. Chiamaka Chukwuka, told the court that the incident occurred on December 24, 2019, at Nodu Village in Awka, following a dispute between the defendant and his father.
According to the prosecution, the defendant pushed his father during an altercation, causing him to hit his head against 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 reportedly locked his father in a room, where he remained until neighbors raised the alarm after perceiving a foul odor.
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 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.
He accordingly convicted him and sentenced him to death by hanging.
