A High Court in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday sentenced a Nigerian man to death by hanging after finding him guilty of killing his four-year-old step-grandson by throwing the child from the third floor of an apartment in Setapak, in a case that has left the community shocked and horrified.
The accused, 48-year-old Ibekwe Emeka Augustine, was convicted after the court carefully reviewed all evidence presented during the trial, according to Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian. The incident occurred on November 29, 2020, between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., and left the family and neighbours traumatized.
Augustine was charged under Section 302 of the Malaysian Penal Code, which prescribes a mandatory death sentence for murder. Alternatively, the law allows for a prison term of between 30 and 40 years with at least 12 strokes of the cane. The court ruled that his actions were deliberate, unprovoked, and demonstrated extreme violence.
In addition to the murder conviction, Augustine was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, to run concurrently, after being found guilty of four other offences committed on the same day and at the same location. The additional charges included attempting to murder his seven-year-old biological son, causing grievous injury to his wife, attempting to take his own life, and sexually assaulting his 25-year-old stepdaughter.
Under Malaysian law, the attempted murder charge involving his son falls under Section 307 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine. The grievous hurt charge against his wife, filed under Section 325 read with Section 326A, is punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine. The attempted suicide charge under Section 309 carries a sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine, or both. The sexual assault charge, filed under Section 377CA, carries a punishment of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping.
Delivering judgment, Justice K. Muniandy noted that all offences occurred within a single day and emphasized the severity and brutality of Augustine’s actions. The judge said that the violence could have been stopped when the accused’s wife intervened, yet Augustine continued, seriously injuring her and instilling fear in the family.
The victims later found the child’s lifeless body on the ground after he was thrown from the apartment, before the accused attempted to take his own life, the judge said.
Justice Muniandy also dismissed any argument that Augustine’s actions could be excused on the grounds of intoxication or drug influence, stating that these factors did not mitigate the seriousness of his crimes.
Neighbours described the incident as unthinkable and expressed concern over the long-term impact on the surviving family members, many of whom were present during the traumatic events. Legal experts noted that the verdict underscores Malaysia’s strict penalties for violent crimes, especially those involving children, and serves as a reminder of the importance of child protection laws.
The case has prompted discussions among human rights and legal advocacy groups about domestic violence, child safety, and the role of mental health support in preventing such tragedies. Authorities have also reiterated the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring swift justice for violent offenders.
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