Enugu Court Orders Man's Remand for Houseboy's Murder

Enugu Court Orders Man's Remand for Murder

“That you, Onyeukwu Anthony, male, on the 15th day of October, 2024, at about 20:30 hours at Number 4, Mike...”

Enugu Man, Anthony Onyeukwu, Held for Murder of 11-Year-Old Houseboy...

A Chief Magistrate's Court in Enugu East Magisterial District, Enugu State, has ordered the remand of 47-year-old Anthony Onyeukwu over the death of 11-year-old houseboy Goodluck John.

Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu Ngozi Enih, revealed that Onyeukwu's arrest followed a tip-off from a whistleblower channel linking Goodluck's death to abuse.

Onyeukwu allegedly buried Goodluck's remains in Abia State without reporting the death to authorities, claiming the boy died from an ailment at Park Lane Hospital, Enugu.

However, investigations showed no hospital records of Goodluck's admission or corpse deposition.

Chief Magistrate in Enugu has ordered the remand of Anthony Onyeukwu at the Correctional Centre, Enugu, for allegedly killing his 11-year-old houseboy, Goodluck John. The case has been adjourned until November 20, 2024, pending the report from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Enugu.

Separately, Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of Enugu State's governor, has issued a stern warning against child abuse in the state, emphasizing that such acts will not go unpunished. This stance is in line with the state government's commitment to protecting children's rights and welfare. In fact, Governor Peter Mbah has declared zero tolerance for child abuse, describing it as a sin against God. The governor has also approved scholarships for victims of child abuse, such as Happiness Nwafor, an 11-year-old girl who was brutalized by her guardian.

Enugu State's Efforts to Combat Child Abuse

Zero Tolerance Policy: Governor Peter Mbah has declared zero tolerance for child abuse in the state.

Scholarships for Victims: The governor has approved scholarships for victims of child abuse.

Child Rights Law: Enugu State has a Child Rights and Responsibility Law in place to ensure that those who abuse children face the full wrath of the law.

Onyeukwu Anthony has been arraigned in court for allegedly murdering an 11-year-old boy, Goodluck John. According to the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Calista Ifeanyi, Onyeukwu committed an offense punishable under the Criminal Code (Revised) Laws of Enugu State.

The charge sheet, marked CME/631C/2024, explicitly states: “That you, Onyeukwu Anthony, male, on the 15th day of October, 2024, at about 20:30 hours at Number 4, Mike Onyeka Close, Loma Linda Extension, Maryland, Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, did unlawfully kill one Goodluck John, male, aged 11 years and thereby committed an offense punishable under Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code, CAP 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.”

This case is being heard by Chief Administrative Magistrate Ngozi Edeh Anih. The prosecution's allegations are severe, and if convicted, Onyeukwu may face significant penalties under Enugu State law.