Nigerian Man Sentenced to Death in Malaysia for Murder of Step-Grandson

Nigerian Man Sentenced to Death in Malaysia for Murder of Step-Grandson

A Malaysian High Court has sentenced a Nigerian national, Ibekwe Emeka Augustine, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his four-year-old step-grandson by throwing the child from the third floor of an apartment in Kuala Lumpur.

The conviction was delivered by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur, which ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt under Section 302 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, an offence that carries a mandatory death sentence. The tragic incident occurred on November 29, 2020, at a residential apartment in the Setapak area of the city.

According to court proceedings, Augustine deliberately hurled the young boy from the apartment balcony during a violent domestic episode. The child sustained severe injuries from the fall and was pronounced dead shortly after. The court described the act as brutal and inhuman, noting that the victim was a defenseless minor entrusted to the care of the accused.

In addition to the murder charge, the court also found Augustine guilty of several other offences connected to the same incident. These included attempted murder of his biological son, causing grievous hurt to his wife, attempted suicide, and sexual assault involving his step-daughter. The judge ordered that the prison sentences for these offences run concurrently with the death sentence.

While delivering judgment, the presiding judge emphasized that the crimes were committed in a single day and involved extreme violence against family members. The court rejected arguments by the defence suggesting that the accused’s actions were influenced by emotional distress or substance abuse.

Augustine’s legal counsel has indicated that an appeal will be filed against the conviction and sentence. The case has sparked public outrage in Malaysia and Nigeria, drawing attention to issues of domestic violence, child abuse, and the severe legal consequences of violent crimes under Malaysian law.

The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official statement on the ruling.