Nigerian Sentenced To Death In Malaysia For Throwing 4-Year-Old Step-Grandson From Third Floor, Killing Him

A Malaysian High Court has sentenced a Nigerian man, Ibekwe Emeka Augustine, to death for killing his four-year-old step-grandson by throwing the child from the third floor of an apartment in Setapak, following a violent episode that occurred in November 2020.

Justice K. Muniandy delivered the verdict on Thursday, finding the 48-year-old unemployed man guilty under Section 302 of the Penal Code for the murder, which took place between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. on November 29, 2020, according to a local media, The Sun

The court also found Augustine guilty on four other charges arising from the same incident, including the attempted murder of his biological son, causing grievous hurt to his wife, attempted suicide, and the sexual assault of his stepdaughter.

For the additional offences, Justice Muniandy sentenced him to 14 years’ imprisonment, to run concurrently from the date of his arrest.

In his judgment, the judge described Augustine’s actions as “inhuman and despicable,” noting that the crimes were committed within a single day and continued even after the accused had seriously injured his wife when she attempted to intervene.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Zaileen Nadia Zubir urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, arguing that the offences were “self-induced” as a result of prolonged drug abuse and involved four victims.

She told the court that the child was dangled by one leg before being thrown from the window, an act witnessed by the boy’s mother.

The prosecution further revealed that Augustine also jumped on his wife, causing severe injuries, including a fractured hip.

In mitigation, defence counsel Zulkifli Awang pleaded for life imprisonment, citing his client’s status as a first-time offender and expressing his remorse.

A total of 22 prosecution witnesses and two defence witnesses testified during the trial before the court reached its decision.