A Nigerian man is sentenced to death in Malaysia for murdering his step-grandson and jailed for multiple related offences

A Nigerian national, Ibekwe Emeka Augustine, 48, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Kuala Lumpur High Court after being found guilty of murdering his four-year-old step-grandson by throwing him from the third floor of an apartment six years ago.

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Justice K. Muniandy handed down the sentence on Thursday following a review of all evidence presented during the trial.

Augustine was charged with causing the child’s death at an apartment in Setapak between 7.45am and 8.15am on 29 November 2020 under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries a mandatory death sentence.

In addition to the murder conviction, Augustine received a concurrent five-year prison sentence for four other offences committed on the same day.

These included attempting to murder his seven-year-old biological son, causing grievous hurt to his wife, attempting suicide, and sexually assaulting his 25-year-old stepdaughter.

The charges carried varying penalties under the Penal Code: Section 307 for attempted murder, Section 325 read with 326A for grievous hurt, Section 309 for attempted suicide, and Section 377CA for sexual assault, with maximum terms ranging from one to 20 years’ imprisonment.

Justice Muniandy noted in his judgment that all offences were committed within a single day and could have been halted when the accused’s wife attempted to intervene.

He said the incidents left the victims traumatised, forcing them to flee the apartment, and culminated in the discovery of the child’s lifeless body.

The judge also dismissed any claim that drug or intoxicant use could justify Augustine’s actions.

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The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Zaileen Nadia Zubir, while Augustine was represented by counsel Zulkifly Awang, who indicated that an appeal would be filed against the death sentence.