In a landmark ruling, an Enugu State High Court has sentenced Chiamaka Ifezue to death by hanging for the murder of 27-year-old makeup artist, Ijeoma Nneke, on November 11, 2020.
The verdict, delivered by Justice K.I. Okpe, follows a trial that saw the prosecution, led by Mrs. Chinelo Chigbo from the Department of Public Prosecution, convincingly establish Ifezue’s culpability in the heinous crime.
Ifezue was found guilty of murder and consequently sentenced to death by hanging.
The court had previously discharged Chukwuemeka Ifezue, Chiamaka’s sibling who was also arraigned for the murder, on July 28, 2022. Justice Okpe held that there was insufficient evidence implicating Chukwuemeka in the commission of the crime.
Chiamaka and Chukwuemeka Ifezue were jointly arraigned on two counts of conspiracy and murder, accused of forcing the deceased, Ijeoma Nneke, to ingest a poisonous substance that led to her death.
The siblings allegedly disposed of Nneke’s body at the Maryland axis of Enugu metropolis and used a corrosive substance, suspected to be acid, on the remains.
During the trial, the court admitted police exhibits related to the case, including currency, mobile phones, makeup tools belonging to the deceased, and the key of a Toyota Matrix allegedly used in moving Nneke’s body.
Sgt. Udeze Oguguo, a police officer attached to the Independence Layout Police Division, Enugu, testified to the recovery of these exhibits at the crime scene.
Chinelo Chigbo, leading the prosecution, presented compelling evidence, including WhatsApp messages and text messages exchanged by the deceased with her fiancé and girlfriend at the scene of the crime.
The sentencing of Chiamaka Ifezue marks a significant development in the quest for justice for Ijeoma Nneke and serves as a deterrent against such heinous crimes in society.
